Dear Parent/Guardian,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that phase two of the district’s Smart Schools Bond Act project is underway.
Now through May, existing data wiring in corridors and classrooms in the Jr./Sr. High School, Upper Elementary School and Primary Elementary School will be replaced with new wiring. This is necessary to install additional security cameras, “lockdown strobes,” which will be strategically positioned in several locations outside to indicate if the district is under a lockdown, new clocks and phones in all classrooms, which will have the ability to display important messages in the event of an emergency, and a new public announcement (PA) system. 
Please know this work will require some ceiling tiles to temporarily be removed. We have required contractors to ensure the safety of all active work areas. Also, to minimize disruptions during the school day, contractors will:
· Start working at 6 a.m. during the week;
· Work most Saturdays;
· Not work during AP testing at the Jr./Sr. High School on May 10-16 (additional adjustments for other testing will be made if needed).
· Not work during state testing at the Primary Elementary School and Upper Elementary School on April 1-5 and April 29-May 3 (additional adjustments for other testing will be made if needed).
The Smart Schools Bond Act, approved by New York State voters in 2014, authorized the issuance of $2 billion to finance improved security, technology and critical infrastructure in public schools. Approximately $972,000 was allocated to the Westmoreland Central School District. The district started developing its project, or Smart Schools Investment Plan (SSIP), in the fall of 2016. The New York State Education Department granted approval in June of 2018.
In January, phase one of the district’s Smart Schools Bond Act project was completed. As part of the phase, existing access control points at entranceways and security cameras in each of the district’s three school buildings were replaced with new card readers and more technologically advanced cameras. All staff members are also now required to wear identification badges, replacing the use of key fobs to gain entry into all school buildings.
In closing, the entire project is expected to be completed by the start of the 2019-20 school year. Should you have any questions, please contact the district office.
Thank you for your role in making our school campus as safe as possible for students, staff and community members.
Sincerely,
Rocco Migliori
Superintendent of Schools