WCBC

August 26th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Wednesday is the first day of school for kids in the Allegany County Public School system- and as a new year begins- the board of education has a couple of unresolved issues-  including the make-up of the school security program; as well as the possibility of losing a board member. The board remains split on exactly who has the authority to appoint the head of security- the superintendent or the elected board. In addition, board president Robert Farrell is continuing to push for a school resource officer in every school, something that has not been funded. Rumors persist that Farrell and the majority board Wayne Foote and David Bohn hope to appoint Jason Merritt as head of security. Merritt, a  retired state trooper who recently opened a security business, was a candidate for Sheriff last year. Utilizing retired law enforcement officers is something Farrell has discussed as a way to expedite a program of having an officer in every school….

Board member Tammy Fraley has said that candidates would need to be specifically qualified for the job…

Another issue that could hit the board this week centers on Foote as the state board of education could rule as early as Tuesday  as to whether he should be removed from the board. If he is removed, he can appeal, but it is expected an interim board member would be appointed during that process.