Pearl River Schools Unveil New Security System, Thank Carlucci for Securing Grant

State Sen. David Carlucci passed through new security system for which he acquired the funding at Franklin Ave. Elementary School in Pearl River Friday morning.

Carlucci secured a $20,000 grant that Pearl River used to install buzzer systems at Franklin Ave., Lincoln Ave. and Evans Park Elementary Schools and Pearl River Middle School.

"This was a proactive approach by the school board, by the superintendent, in making sure that safety is a top priority," Carlucci said. "This school district is to be commended on the way that they have allocated the funding that we were able to deliver from the state. I'm just so proud of our superintendent and our school board in making sure that our children's safety is a top priority."

In the days after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, the district examined its security more closely, at first locking the doors to the middle school and elementary schools. The district then applied the legislative grant to buying the security systems which include an intercom and video camera that feeds to monitors at the security desk just inside the door and in the main office. The installation of the buzzer systems was completed last week.

“We are truly grateful to Senator Carlucci for his support of our schools," Pearl River Superintendent Dr. John Morgano said. "The grant monies that he secured for us allowed us to implement an important safety measure without concerns for budget implications.”

Carlucci said he secured similar grants for other schools in his district, but Pearl River was the only one he knew of using the money for that specific purpose.

“I want to thank Senator Carlucci for helping us with our security system," Franklin Ave. Principal Maureen Alaimo said. "I know I feel safer here now that it has been installed. I want you to know how much we all appreciate all you’ve done for us.”

Carlucci was honored in a ceremony that included two songs by Franklin Ave. students, speeches by students and staff and a show about the Pledge of Allegiance. He as also presented by letters of thanks from students.

"I know you are here honoring me, but really the ones who should be honored are all of you for your hard work, for your dedication, for making the Pearl River
School District such a gem that it is in our education system in New York State," Carlucci said.

Carlucci also donated the opportunity for a student to be Senator for a day to the Franklin Ave. Playground Committee, which will be a prize at Saturday's Casino Night.