No override needed for Marblehead school security funds

MARBLEHEAD – Voters got some good news in the School Committee report to the selectmen Wednesday night.The $98,700 four-part school security program will be funded with money that is already available to the schools, not by a debt exclusion override.The School Security Subcommittee has recommended installing an electronic door-locking system at the main entrance to each school, repair or replacement of door locks on classrooms and offices in each school, installing safety glass in each classroom door and purchase of a photo ID machine for staff ID badges.”This will be a one-time expense,” Superintendent of Schools Paul Dulac told the selectmen. Dulac said the amount will be funded with $48,000 left from the Marblehead Veterans Middle School construction, $43,000 in newly available school money, and $8,000 from a $100,000 maintenance account in next year’s budget.The security subcommittee will continue its deliberations for at least another year, Dulac said, and will have more recommendations in 2009. He said the security work would be done between June 17 and the start of classes next fall.In a memo dated March 27, Facilities Director David Dunkley mentioned the $48,000 in middle school construction money as the source of a three-year repair plan for the 100-year-old Gerry School, which needs roof repairs and repointing on the north end wall.Dulac said the estimated $25,000 for those repairs would come from the maintenance account instead.