Minutes
Facilities and Security Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
A meeting of the Facilities and Security Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
at 5:00 pm in the 2
nd Floor Conference Room at the NAGE Building. Present were Mr. Paul
Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. David McCarthy,
Chair. Also attending were Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro, Assistant Superintendent
Colleen Roberts, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr. Kevin Murphy, Mr. Kevin Segalla; Ms. Allison Cox,
President, Quincy Education Association; Quincy Police Department School Resource Officer
Lisa Devine, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
Mr. McCarthy called the meeting called to order at 5:00 pm. The first item on the agenda was a
joint presentation by Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr. Kevin Murphy, and Mr. Kevin Segalla giving an
overview of school building security issues. Mr. McCarthy noted that the goal of the
Subcommittee is to be able to set priorities to discuss with the Mayor and City Council for the
FY2014 budgeting. Dr. DeCristofaro reiterated that this is the current state of information
gathering, but that the process is ongoing.
Mr. Draicchio started with an overview of Surveillance. Grants from the Norfolk District
Attorney’s office over the last several years have assisted in increasing school surveillance. Mr.
Kevin Segalla reported on the working order of school buildings alarms, a combination of
exterior door alarms and interior motion detectors. Mr. McCarthy noted that over the last few
years, faulty alarm contacts have been identified and replaced. Mr. Kevin Segalla confirmed
that the building alarms notify the monitoring company, who in turn notify the Quincy Police
Department and building custodians. Mr. Draicchio explained that all elementary and middle
schools are equipped with integrated doorbell/intercoms. Two schools now have a doorbell/
intercom/camera system and the goal is to have them in all schools. All schools have a camera
pointed at the front door to assist the office staff in identifying visitors. For the high school
entrances, the security protocol will change so that visitors will need to be admitted to the
building. Mr. Draicchio also reviewed Access Control Systems for individual school buildings
where staff would be able to access school buildings through a swipe card system. Quincy High
School already has an access control system; the new Central Middle School will have it as well.
For interior security, an ID review system is being considered for the high schools; we are
hoping to partner with QPD on implementation. Photo ID badges for all QPS staff may be
implemented along with the Access Control system. For Classroom door locks, Mr. Murphy
showed a prototype for a new door handle/lockset. Mr. McCarthy noted that Mr. Kevin Segalla
has done a comprehensive survey of door lock issues.
Mr. McCarthy asked Mrs. Cox if she had any questions about the issues. Ms. Cox said the locks
on classroom door are the top concern of QEA members. Mrs. Cox also mentioned the ID
badges as being a high priority, especially for staff who travel between buildings. Mr. McCarthy
asked the parents present for any input. Mrs. Robinson thanked the Subcommittee and Mr.
Draicchio for the work done so far. She asked whether installing deadbolts in classrooms would
be a possibility. Mr. Murphy explained that deadbolts are against the building code. Mr.
McCarthy suggested that a next step would be to explore with other school systems about how
they are handling some of these security issues.
Mr. Draicchio reviewed that visitor protocols have been updated and will be posted on exterior
doors at all schools by February 8. Notices of surveillance are also being posted at each school
building. Classroom emergency procedures were updated for the beginning of the school year
and are posted throughout all of our school buildings in classrooms, offices, and public areas.
Mr. Draicchio noted that we are constantly assessing our security procedures and sharing
information with other cities and towns. Mr. Draicchio then discussed the ongoing assessment
of Public Address systems within buildings, there are a few issues currently being addressed
through Maintenance. Ms. Isola asked for clarification; Mr. Murphy noted that where there are
problems, walkie-talkies have been issued so that all rooms can communicate with the office.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the School Resource Office deployment at the high schools. Mr.
Draicchio confirmed that unless they are needed at another building, the Resource Officers
begin their day at the high schools. Ms. Isola complimented the School Resource Officers for
their relationships with the students and staffs at each building.
The next item on the agenda was a review of the requested projects in the Maintenance
department. The School Improvement Plan, Security Audit, and Lighting Audit requests have
been integrated; project status will be updated as the year progresses. Some projects are
designated as vacation or summer projects and others will be collaborative between
Maintenance and DPW or Parks. Projected completion dates will be shared as available. The
School Committee will review the list and surface any issues for prioritization.
Mr. McCarthy thanked Mr. Draicchio, Mr. Kevin Segalla, and Mr. Murphy for the work they’ve
done since the last School Committee meeting and responding to the parent concerns.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to adjourn the Facilities and Security Subcommittee Meeting at 6:05
pm. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.