Board OKs upgrade to video system

Exeter School Board held a lengthy discussion about security before authorizing the administration to accept a proposal from App-Techs Corp. for the Exeter Senior High School video surveillance system upgrade at a cost of $40,019. The proposal includes two servers, 23 replacement and new cameras, and licensing and installation.

Board members Michael B. Jupina Jr. and Jim Brady voted no. There are currently over 80 cameras installed at the high school.

At the start of the Nov. 21 school board meeting, board President David R. Hemberger recognized four fellow members who are leaving the board.

Board members whose terms expire in December and the year they joined the board are:

• Dr. David S. Bender, 1983

• Carole A. Kutscher, 1996

• Russell J. Diesinger, 2002 • Robert H. Quinter, 2002 • Dr. Ann M. Hearing, 2016

Chris Herr, CPA, principal at Maillie LLP, presented the Exeter Township School District Audit and Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2017. During the presentation, Herr reported the school district’s expenses in 2017 totaled $74.4 million compared to $71.7 million in 2016.

Jacksonwald Elementary Principal, Joseph Schlaffer, addressed board members with his building and program report. He opened his report by giving thanks to the board members for their years of service to the district. Schlaffer noted in addition to two regular education classrooms the elementary school began the first verbal behavioral classroom in the district. Students in Verbal Behavior are nonverbal, autistic children. He commended the students and teachers for performing well on the PSSA and SPP testing. Students scored 77.4 on the PSSA/ SPP testing.

“It is an accomplishment that makes us all extremely proud,” said Schlaffer.