District: News

Board Reviews Emergency Plans

Developed over 18 months through Federal Grant

April 15, 2008

At its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2008, the Meridian CUSD #223 School Board reviewed recently completed Emergency Response/Crisis Management Plans. The plans were initiated by a $100,000 federal grant, which was awarded jointly to the Meridian and Byron School Districts nearly 18 months ago. Through the grant, the Meridian School District received significant training in the effective processes and procedures in preventing and responding to emergencies. The grant also provided for a Grant Project Coordinator to arrange for the successful implementation of the grant’s goals. An important component of the grant was the involvement of local agencies in the plan’s development. The Ogle County Sheriff’s Department, Ogle County Health Department, Byron Police Department, Stillman Valley Fire Protection District, Exelon, the Lee/Ogle Regional Office of Education and others were part of the 18 month planning and implementation process. The grant also included a community awareness component where the Meridian and Byron communities were surveyed about emergency response practices in homes and the communities. Each Meridian CUSD #223 building now has a detailed plan for an effective response to a crisis or emergency. The grant also provided funds for increased security measures in each of the Meridian buildings. Entrances at Highland, Monroe Center and the Meridian Junior High School are now secured by a camera/buzzer entrance system. Stillman Valley High School purchased and installed a security camera system both inside and outside the building including 26 cameras. The grant funds also provided for the purchase of five StarCom radios, which provide direct contact to the Ogle County Sheriff’s department. The radios are mobile and contain the latest technology for the immediate and sustained communication with local emergency response agencies in the event of a crisis. The radios cost $1,500 a piece and are located in each of the district’s four buildings and the district office. The Meridian CUSD #223 School Board will review the emergency plans annually.