At a Board of Education meeting, Director of Buildings and Grounds James Knoop shared with the board that the district has purchased eight 4K high-definition security cameras to be installed all around the elementary school grounds. Currently, only one standard definition camera is installed outside the elementary school.

The district is expecting up to 95% reimbursement for the purchases through the New York State Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Act.

A new 4K high-definition camera was already installed at the high school, while two more are scheduled to be installed, as well.

These upgrades are in addition to the district’s plans to upgrade the doors and entrances of the school with increased security funded by the Smart Schools Bond Act Investment Plan. The district has also implemented a new program for anonymous reporting of safety concerns this school year, just as other area school districts have done this year, including Fredonia and Silver Creek.

The Forestville Central School District has stressed an increase in security measures this year through state aid programs, including new security cameras and reinforced electronic entrances.

In addition to safety, Forestville also has put an emphasis on attendance this year. Middle School/High School Principal Dan Grande and Elementary Principal Dr. Charlie Galluzzo both spoke at the recent Board of Education meeting about the struggles they have had this year with students not coming to school as often as the district would like.

“We don’t want parents to send kids in if they are sick, because especially elementary kids, they do get sick … but we just want parents to be aware of it,” said Dr. Galluzzo. “We want to make sure school is a place where the kids want to be. If you miss school, you miss out. If they’re not with us, they are going to miss what we’re doing, even if we send work home.”

The district is planning to send letters home to parents of frequently absent students to make them aware of the number of absences their students have so far this school year.