Addressing issues of intruder invasions due to the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, the Leeds Board of Education is taking precautions to ensure students’ safety.

Sharing a security update with Leeds City Schools’ superintendent John J. Moore and the Leeds Board of Education (BOE), Dr. Burke Wren, Coordinator of Curriculum Initiatives; Mark Pierce, Technology Coordinator; and Jim Simpson, Facilities and Maintenance Manager addressed this pertinent issue.

Forming an advisory group, Moore is receiving safety updates from two teachers at each school.

“Our schools are safe,” Moore said.

Affirming Moore’s statement, Wren says lockdown procedures were being talked about before the horrific events in Connecticut.

“Code words and evacuation plans can be confusing,” said Wren. “We want everyone to get into a classroom if an intruder enters the building. Once things have been cleared, an authorized person will come by with a key to let students, teachers and staff out.”

Implementing further safety measures, Simpson says a loud speaker has been placed on the Leeds Elementary School playground and further precautions are also being taken at the middle and high schools.

Approximately 30 cameras per school have been set up to ensure student and faculty safety.

“We also have external cameras covering everything,” said Pierce.

Striving to meet the school systems’ goal of “promoting achievement, respect and success,” everyone at the Leeds BOE is seeing to it that all students are safe.

Receiving news of a recent accolade, Wren showed the Leeds BOE a letter issued by Governor Bentley saying Leeds City Schools was the recipient of a $5,000 technology grant written by Wren.

The money was awarded by Appalachian Regional Commission Grants and is earmarked to advance the school system’s advance towards more technology-based ways of teaching.

Tablets, e-readers and mobile interactive white boards are just some of the needs being focused on as Leeds City Schools makes its commitment to using educational technology.

“From paper to digital, this is a great way to usher us into this,” said Wren. “It’s always nice to share something positive. We’re just excited for the kids.”

In other positive news, John J. Moore has been name by the School Superintendents of Alabama as the superintendent mentor for new “supers.”

Heading to Montgomery for training, Moore says he could not have received a greater compliment.

“I feel very honored to have been asked to do this,” said Moore.

Continuing to bring pride to Green Wave country, Leeds BOE is working for its students.