The Navarro College Board of Trustees voted Thursday to spend $109,000 to install a campus alert security system that would provide near-instantaneous communication capability with staff and students at all four Navarro campuses.

Dr. Richard Sanchez, college district president, said Thursday’s recommendation to college trustees was the result of research done by a committee appointed to look into campus security procedures in the event of a threat to the safety of students and staff on the college’s campuses.

Referencing the tragic event at the Virginia Tech campus that claimed 31 lives, Sanchez said that a system to communicate with the college community was vital.

“I believe we have to be in a position to protect students and staff. Right now we have no way to get the word out,” he told trustees.

The system approved by trustees is multi-faceted — using telephones, warning sirens, e-mail and text communications as well as audible and visual warning devices — and accessible to authorized users to trigger warnings or other messages for rapid transmission either from the campus or remotely via computer or telephone.

Utilizing a system called “Blackboard Connect” — also in use at several colleges throughout the nation, including Baylor University in Waco — text, e-mail and voice messages can be sent to students and staff members, relaying information about safety issues or concerns, weather warnings or advisories.

“It can send up to two million voice mail messages in an hour,” said Brandon Ford, administrator of the existing “Blackboard” computer system in use for e-mail and Internet instruction. Ford said the new system can be programmed to deliver voice messages to up to six telephone numbers, alerts to two e-mail addresses, and deliver text messages to cell phones, pagers and remotely placed monitors that will be distributed around the campuses.

Another component of the system will be a centrally-located outdoor warning siren that can transmit both warning tones and voice messages. Current plans call for the siren to be placed only on the Corsicana campus — the only Navarro campus with student housing.

“UT Austin uses a similar system,” explained Charles Betts, director of Navarro’s student housing program. Betts said the siren system could be installed by college personnel.

“We believe it will serve the best interests and safety of students and staff,” Sanchez said.

Board chairman Homer Wasson voiced his approval of the purchase, calling the decision “one of the most important decisions we’ll make ... this is dealing with human lives.”

Trustees gave the green light to the purchase, which will be paid for from the college’s reserve fund balance, currently just over $5 million, according to Darrell Raines, vice-president for finance and administration. After the initial purchase, fees to operate the system will cost the college $14,500 annually.

Sanchez told trustees he would endeavor to replace the funds taken from the fund balance for the purchase during the next two years.



Power plant

presentation given

At the request of board member Dr. James Price, an informational presentation on the proposed power plants in the county was given by Lee McCleary, economic development director for the city and county. McCleary presented a summary of the information the city had previously given at a Town Hall meeting held earlier this year.



Consent agenda approved

Trustees approved the minutes of the board’s previous meeting, and changes to the college’s policy and procedures manual in a single vote on the consent items.



Science Academy presented

Dr. Larry Weaver told trustees about the college’s upcoming Science Academy, a summer program targeting junior high and senior high students. The week-long program, beginning June 23, will cover a variety of science topics. Two hands-on activities will take place each day during the week. Weaver said the program is also a useful tool in preventing school drop-outs by keeping interest in education high among youth.



Financial reports approved

Trustees approved several budget amendments in the May financial statement. The current year’s budget, as amended, is $69,541,315.



Budget session scheduled

Trustees will take part in a budget workshop as part of the July board meeting. Dr. Richard Sanchez said trustees will be presented with a preliminary budget at the July 17 workshop, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in the Lone Star Room. The board’s regular monthly meeting will follow the budget workshop.



Personnel search continues

Sanchez told trustees the search for an assistant basketball coach and assistant football coach is continuing, with plans to find replacements for both jobs in early July. Candidates are also being considered to replace Darrell Raines, vice-president of finance and administration, who is retiring at the end of 2008.



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Bob Belcher may be reached via e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com