RSS 2.0 FeedNovember 4, 2010, Merrick Life
SMCCA is seeking a solution to vandalism
South Merrick Civics host Merrick Schools official to discuss property grounds concerns.
Civic associations are formed to respond to the needs of the community. The South Merrick Community Civic Association emerged in that spirit and strives to continue to meet the needs of its members.
In the past, many residents have complained about broken bottles of alcohol, the residue of drug paraphernalia and vandalism at the Merrick school grounds.
In response to the many concerns, SMCCA President Joe Baker invited Christine Grucci, assistant superintendent for business and technology for the Merrick School District, to speak at a civic association meeting during the summer. At that time, Dr. Grucci vowed to look into some of the reported problems and bring her findings back to the civic association.
At the SMCCA October meeting, Dr. Grucci said that a number of steps have been taken to eliminate the problems. Among the steps taken, custodial staff had been retained to patrol school grounds in the evenings.
Dr. Grucci also reported that a new director of facilities had been hired, and he is diligent in his efforts to impact the problem.
Lighting at the school grounds at all buildings has been inspected to ensure that all is in proper working order, she said. In those cases where neighbors complained about the brightness, adjustments have been made, said Dr. Grucci.
Dr. Grucci said that as budget talks begin, there will be discussions about upgrading camera systems around the schools. Infrared lights will also be discussed, to enable officials to better identify any trespassers. A number of systems are being investigated and will be discussed at public forums.
The assistant superintendent informed residents that an insurance firm provides insurance for vandalism. As part of its free service, the firm employs a former FBI agent to investigate school districts and make appropriate security proposals at schools. District officials will meet with him in the next few weeks, “at no charge to the school district,” said Dr. Grucci.
The insurance representative will be able to give recommendations on security firms that have been approved by the state, eliminating the need for bidding reported.
Bebe Plotkin, a parent, had a number of other complaints about safety on school grounds. Ms. Plotkin said a man had walked through the grounds of the Levy-Lakeside School while “walkers” (those children that are not bused to school) were leaving.
In addition, Ms. Plotkin complained about the aggressive drivers who endanger children as they ignore traffic and safety rules to pick up or drop off their own children. Ms. Plotkin expressed the desire to have someone “in uniform” control the offending drivers.
Mr. Baker, along with others, expressed the desire to have locking gates that would prevent people from entering school grounds. Dr. Grucci listened intently to all of the complaints, and made notes to bring back to administrators and board members.
Some parents recollected days of their youth when older children at schools were charged with directing younger ones out of the school buildings. Others remembered when teachers had the responsibility. Still others suggested that parents volunteer to ensure the safety of the children.
Jodi Turk-Goldberg, a parent and trustee of the civic association, said “God forbid something happens to a child before we do something.” Mr. Baker concurred, saying “the most important issue is the safety of the children during the day.” Then we need to watch the grounds at night, said Mr. Baker.
Dr. Grucci said that she would look into the arrivals and dismissals of students as well as investigate the gate issue. The assistant superintendent also reported that the representatives to the Central High School District will bring the problem to that board, too, in order to discuss combining security issues.
Dr. Grucci also vowed to discuss the problems with PTAs in the district, and meet with the safety and security committee of the PTA.
Tuesday, November 9, is the date for the next scheduled meeting of the Merrick Board of Education. It will take place at the Levy-Lakeside School.
Other business
Alan Jaspar, SMCCA trustee and community improvements committee chair, spoke about some of the accomplishments of the association. In response to a number of requests by Mr. Jaspar, recycling bins have been placed at the golf club and at the Levy preserve.
At Cammann’s Pond, Mr. Jaspar said that additional garbage cans will be set up, and additional pickups will be made by the town sanitation department.
Mr. Jaspar said that perennials have been planted at the Julian Lane Park and at Clubhouse Road at the expense of the SMCCA.
Due to his concerted efforts, Mr. Jaspar persuaded the town to provide new blacktop under-surface at the playground at Julian Lane Park.
