Bradford School District Continues Focus on Safety, Security

By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director

The Bradford Area School District will be hiring an off duty Bradford City Police officer to provide security for Fretz Middle School.

The officer would start April 1 and work through June 6. The salary will be determined by Bradford City Council and the police department’s collective bargaining agreement, but would not exceed $13,500.

Also during last night’s school board meeting, district superintendent Katy Pude say the district is taking further steps to make all the schools safer.

"In the upcoming months, we will also be utilizing the services of the Pennsylvania State Police Risk and Vulnerability Team to help identify any safety measures that we could improve within our buildings," she said during her monthly report.

The district is still considering hiring a second school resource officer for next year.

Also last night, the board approved an agreement with the Bradford Dental Center to provide exams for students in kindergarten as well as third and seventh grades who don't have dental coverage and whose families may not be able to afford it. The cost of the exams will be $10.

Board member Keith Hatch acknowledged members of Boy Scout Troop 499 who attended the meeting as part of their efforts to receive Citizenship in Community merit badges. Hatch's son Cody is a member of the troop.

In her report Pude also praised the students and staff who put on the "phenomenal" performance of "The Wizard of Oz" last weekend.

She also mention that several sixth-graders competed in the Middle School Computer Fair in Port Allegany. Nick Haner and Austin Jadlowiec placed first in programming; Sydney Emerson placed first in graphic design; and Alan Burritt placed first in animation.

Music students also fared well in competition. During this pasat weekend's Region Band competition in Meadville Chris Eaton earned 4th chair in percussion; Marissa Pattison, 2nd chair, baritone; Tim Puglio, 1st chair tenor sax. This is the second year Tim has placed 1st chair at Region Band and qualified for states. He has qualified for the 2013 All-State Wind Ensemble.

Pude also noted that March 18-22 is Care and Share Week at Fretz. Students and staff will be holding various activities to benefit the McKean County SPCA, Meals on Wheels, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the National MS Scoiety and the New Day Orphanage.

You can listen to the entire meeting here.

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