Pearl River Schools posted an update to the school district website late Monday notifying residents that Orangetown Police Officers will make more appearances inside district's buildings.
According to the district administration, the Orangetown Police reached out Friday and offered to have more of a presence in Pearl River Schools in addition to having them as part of regular patrol routes.
That is part of an update regarding the district's safety measures from Superitendent of Schools Dr. John Morgano sent out Friday, along with the announcement of upcoming drills in district buildings. Pearl River Schools are also moving forward with plans to install buzzers at the entrances to Pearl River Middle School and the district's three elementary schools.
Morgano's full message Monday was as follows:
As I stated in my last communication, the process of evaluating and addressing our school safety needs will be ongoing throughout the year. I am writing to share some updates relating to school safety.
We have a positive and productive working relationship with the Orangetown Police Department and have already had several meetings with them to discuss and evaluate our safety plans and needs. While it is not uncommon for OPD officers to stop by our schools during the day, your child may notice a more frequent presence of police officers at our schools, as they stop by, meet with the principals, and walk through the buildings.
Each school is planning several drills that will take place over the next few weeks. OPD will be at the schools for some of these drills. I appreciate your cooperation and support as we conduct the drills during the school day as they may impact your ability to enter the building for a short time. We are also moving forward with a buzzer system plan for the elementary schools and the middle school.
The health and safety of our students and staff are of utmost concern. As always, should you have any concerns or questions regarding safety procedures at your child's school, please contact your child's principal.
The Orangetown Police are not the only department in Rockland County offering an increased presence the schools it patrols. Clarkstown Police announced a similar change at a press conference Monday morning.
The Pearl River School District posted the school security update on its website and sent it out through a K-12 alert. To sign up to receive K-12 alerts via email, click here.
