Swampscott police and schools working together on parent notifications

SWAMPSCOTT – The school district has been criticized numerous for not informing parents of potential dangers affecting their school age children but that could change.The School Committee and Swampscott Police Department have an agreement, which could result in automated telephone calls to homes if there is a potential danger.Police Chief Ronald Madigan said the primary goal is ensuring the safety of students.”There have been incidents in the past where parents and the school community could have benefited from early notification,” he said. “In response to a call from us regarding a threat or incident that could potentially affect the school community we will call the district and the district would initiate an (automated) call.”Kevin Donaher, who is one of parents who met with Madigan, said the police department was receptive and willing to assist in getting the word out to parents.”I’m very pleased with their response,” he said. “Not knowing when something is going on that could affect the safety of our kids is something a lot of people have been concerned about for a long time.”Parent Debbie Davis, who has spoken at School Committee meetings regarding delayed notification, said she is pleased the school department is finally taking action.”When there was an attempted abduction in town it took two days for the schools to send a notice home,” she said.The alleged attempted abduction Davis is referring to took place Sept. 17 and parents were notified when a letter was sent home with students on Sept. 19.”At the end of the day I’m happy a system is being put in place,” Davis said. “The conduit is the police department will inform the school department and a call will be sent out to parents. “Madigan said Swampscott Police Detective Ted Delano has established an e-mail notification list for residents, which sends an e-mail alert regarding any suspicious activity in town. Any resident, who would like to sign up for the e-mail notification list, should send an e-mail to [email protected] and ask to be added to the list.Donaher said he has found the e-mail notification system to be a very valuable tool and he encouraged all residents to sign up for it.