Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 22, 2024 11:21 P.M.
(Rochester, Pa) The Rochester Area School Board met Tuesday evening for a voting session. Two school board members voiced their frustrations with new school security protocols. Superintendent Jane Bovalino relayed that fobs given to personnel are programmed to give access during specified times depending on the role of the person in the district.
The School Police Officer noted that the security system of using fobs and lanyards helps identify approved individuals in the building. Board member Dale Daman voiced his concerns that with a security guard and lanyards being used, that the fob isn’t necessary. “I don’t see any one of us that is going to breach this school”. Another board member, Thomas Daman stated that he has had difficulties gaining access to the building with his fob. He said under the constitution, he should be able to gain access to the building anytime as an elected board member. “We’re board members, and we’re locked out of our own school”, “I’m for the children”, he said adding that he should be able to check on the classes to ensure the teachers are properly teaching and that proper education is being provided. “Our security program? It’s your security program”, he said to the superintendent.
“Our first order of business is to protect the children in this building”, “there is a security protocol for a reason”, responded Board Vice President Jocelyn N. Haskins. It was also stated that those who work or serve in the district can still obtain access to the school during non-approved times by going through security. The two board members in disagreement relayed that they shouldn’t have to walk to the other side of the building to get in. Dale Damon left the meeting during the discussion.
Also, during the session, the board voted to approve the termination of Van Norman from supplemental contracts for basketball and football effective immediately. The board approved Todd Weischedel to serve as the 2nd Assistant baseball coach for the 2023-2024 school year. Also approved was the resignation of Isaac Dixon from the supplemental position of football conditioning, with Dan O’ Brian serving as his replacement.