Dennis in Dark on School Security; Superintendent: Working with Police

DENNISVILLE – Dennis Township Committee met March 15 and learned that municipal clerk had received updated guidance on Zika virus disease testing, criteria, and how to obtain specimens as well as clinical and prevention guidance.
Community News
Committee member Donald Tozer said, “We are picking up leaves and brush over the next few weeks; please keep them separate as much as possible because it makes it easier for our crews to do the work.”
Committee member Lisa Salimbene said the St. Patrick’s luncheon at the Senior Center had 67 people registered. The center is also hosting Cape Assist Wellness Workshops at the center which are six-week courses and 22 seniors registered.
Salimbene also announced that she is working to improve ordinances to better benefit pets and other small animals reflecting that for dogs alone, the township issued 447 licenses in 2016 to date.
Deputy Mayor Brian O’Connor reminded everyone of the township’s Easter egg hunt March 20, “This event is our Mayberry event, it’s why we live here because everyone comes together to make it a great community day and reminds us what a great place Dennis is to live.”
Student Security
Tozer described the on-going joint exercises being held with area schools to further emergency management preparedness and especially “active shooter” drills with students and officials.
“Bishop McHugh has been incredible to work with, they really get it, we need that kind of attitude in our township schools.”
O’Connor agreed, saying “We really need to make headway with the schools in the township and the overall district. McHugh is gathering info from us and the State Police. They have been tremendous and then they submit back to us their plans. We’ve asked the township solicitor (Jeffrey April) to send a letter to local school officials to prod them to comply.
“It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s state law as well. I don’t understand their reluctance at all but we’re going to get to the bottom of this. What we’re asking them to do is best practices, hope for the best but prepare for the worst, and their attitude is really discouraging,” he said.
Salimbene commented, “Every kid’s parents need peace of mind, this is unbelievable, my granddaughter goes to the local school and my daughter teaches there so I certainly have a vested interest in seeing them do what’s right.”
Superintendent’s Response
The Herald asked Superintendent Mark Miller of the Dennis Township School District for comment.
Miller replied, “We are disappointed in hearing that the Dennis Township Committee feels that we are reluctant to embrace best practices. We at Dennis Township Schools put the safety and security of our students at the forefront.
“We have been actively working in conjunction with our State Police liaison and the town to eventually run a live-shooter drill in our schools. This type of drill takes a lot of planning and the State Police have been a big help in showing us the proper way.
“We feel we have and will continue to have a great working relationship with the Township of Dennis and its governing body.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.