KGUN 9NewsLocal News

Actions

TUSD board votes on two major safety changes

Posted at 9:30 PM, Dec 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-11 00:18:55-05

There are two major safety changes in Tucson Unified.

The first one will improve how school safety officers and dispatchers handle emergency situations.

The board voted tonight to accept a half million dollar federal grant to improve communications.

The district can now install technology that allows staff to talk - in real time -- to first responders in Pima County.

TUSD will become part of the county's daily radio frequency.

TUSD School Safety District Jefferey Coleman said "Well it'll increase safety for students and staff in major emergencies because we'll be able to exchange real time information with the police and the fire departments."

The district is also moving it's 24/7 Communications function into the City of Tucson's Public Safety Center.

The other change involves staff who are accused of crimes.

The board voted to change district policy requiring employees to report any criminal charge with 24 hours.

The district says its making the move because criminal cases can last years, and a conviction or the type of charge may not show up on a fingerprint clearance a state mandate to work in any school.

Also, in certain cases the district must conduct its own investigation to determine what happens to the employee in the interim.