District upgrades security; set to enforce dress code

LAKEWOOD — The Lakewood School District will be visibly different this fall. The changes begin with upgrades to school security, a new dress code and a new superintendent of schools.

In response to a Nov. 12 melee at Lakewood High School that resulted in the arrest of 11 high school students and one adult, the Board of Education awarded a contract in the amount of $380,000 to Access Systems Integration of Hazlet to make security upgrades in the schools.

According to information provided by district officials, Lakewood High School and Lakewood Middle School will each receive a digital camera system and door sensor alarms with a central monitoring station at the high school.

In addition, the high school will have a stationary metal detector installed in the gymnasium, six hand-held metal detectors will be purchased and available for use by all schools, additional security fencing will be installed at the high school, and a camera and remote entry system will be installed at each elementary school.

"We are hoping the increased security will add to the current environment of safety for all students and staff members," Business Administrator Robert Finger said.

In addition to the upgrades in equipment, the district will be adding a fulltime security coordinator. This position will be funded in part by a federal grant for a person to oversee the system and security in general, according to Finger.

In another change from the last school year, district administrators announced that a dress code for students would be strictly enforced beginning in September. Since making that announcement, officials have found a vendor to manufacture the type of clothing students will be required to wear.

"We are making available the option of purchasing (clothing) from a vendor we currently use for our sports program, Sports Connection," said Interim Superintendent Eugenia Lawson.

Lawson said the vendor has "provided streamlined costs for each acceptable dress code item. Each school has made available the opportunity to purchase the dress code items at the school on different dates in August. Parents can also purchase these items at many local stores."

For individuals who may have difficulty purchasing the type of clothing students will need, district administrators are discussing the possibility of forming partnerships with churches and community groups to provide assistance, according to information provided by the district.

Lastly, the position of interim superintendent is scheduled to expire on Sept. 1. The Board of Education has the option to offer a contract to Lawson, who said she has expressed interest in continuing to lead Lakewood schools.

Lawson was named the interim superintendent following the recent retirement of previous superintendent Ed Luick.

— Toynett Hall