School Safety Committee Makes Recommendations

A committee charged with making recommendations to improve safety at Hermosa Beach's two public schools has released its report. 

The recommendations include annual walkthroughs of district facilities by all local first responders, an evaluation of cellular phone coverage, the enhancement of wireless internet coverage, strict enforcement of visitation rules at schools (including signing in and wearing visitors badges), and professional trainings/drills at the school sites with a focus on campus intruders, according to city and school officials.

The School Safety Audit Committee, formed in January, consisted of the superintendent of the Hermosa Beach City School District, the Hermosa Beach city manager, the principal of Hermosa Valley school, principal of Hermosa View school, an interim chief of police, the fire chief and a HBCSD maintenance and operation representative.

“The collaborative effort undertaken by the School Safety Audit Committee has allowed all Hermosa Beach departments to gain a greater understanding for how we can best prepare for potential crises at our schools,” said City Manager Tom Bakaly. “This work has been vital in our effort to ensure students are safe, and that efficient and effective response systems are in place should they ever be needed.”

The City Council will consider funding for the recommendations in the City/School Safety Audit at a future meeting.

“The safety of our students is the City of Hermosa Beach’s top priority,” said Mayor Patrick “Kit” Bobko. “It is of paramount importance that the teachers, students and staff at our schools are prepared for any and all potential threats, and this audit has played an important role in that preparation.”

Late last year, the city and the school district began a review of existing school safety plans at facilities in Hermosa Beach.