New Bedford Public Schools Shore Up Security Systems

In the wake of this spring's New Bedford High School Senior Prank/vandalism incident, Superintendent Pia Durkin and the school committee have announced plans to monitor all 28 buildings in the school system.

All school alarms systems have been inspected and are working properly, according to Durkin. New Bedford High School has never had a working alarm system to prevent after school intrusions.

It remains unclear whether that will change. However, security at the high school will be beefed up with a $6.5 million system including 200 security cameras in and around the building.

The state funded upgrade will also improve wireless internet access in the building, provide SMART Boards for instructional use, install classroom telephones, and make other investments to give teachers and students access to state-of-the-art technology.