Giving District 30’s schools some TLC

District 30 Board of Education members got a look at some recently completed construction work in the district, as well as some projects planned for the future. The board and administrators toured the three schools for the annual building inspection on Dec. 10.

Board members got to see the new windows that were installed this past summer in the Shaw Avenue, Clear Stream Avenue and Forest Road schools. The old windows had been installed in the 1980s and in many rooms the glass had turned foggy. Forest Road School Principal Erin Malone said when the new windows were installed, the children were excited they could finally see outside.

Lisa Rutksoke, assistant superintendent for business, said the windows are allowing a lot more natural light into the rooms and are more energy efficient. The old double-hung windows were also a safety hazard, as some would suddenly drop down. The new windows are sliding glass.

The windows were part of a capital reserve proposition approved by voters in May 2010. That project, along with ceiling and lighting replacements in two hallways at Shaw Avenue School, cost a little more than $1 million.

Due to budget cuts, the district eliminated greeters at all three schools. They monitored the main entrances and signed in all visitors. The district replaced them with a camera system.

There is a camera and intercom at the main entrance of the three schools, so the main office secretaries can see who is there, ask the purpose of the visit and buzz them in. Shaw Avenue School Principal Johane Ligonde and Assistant Principal Amy Pernick demonstrated the system for the board. Ligonde stood outside and rang the bell, while Pernick, from the main office secretary’s seat, saw Ligonde on the small television screen and unlocked the door. “You’re able to see all the people that are standing there,” Pernick said. “For the secretaries, it works out really well.”

Shaw Avenue is the only school with two cameras. There is also one at the side entrance into the parking lot, which is where a lot of deliveries come.