Additional security measures will be installed at Indian Lake Schools as soon as possible thanks to the generosity of Honda Transmission Manufacturing. The Indian Lake Board of Education accepted a donation of $9,825 from HTM during their regular March Board meeting. The money will be used to purchase door jam barricades for classrooms and other areas in the Indian Lake High School and Indian Lake Middle School. The special locks are meant to help shield students and staff in case of an active shooter attack or other emergency.
After the January shooting incident at West Liberty-Salem Schools, Washington Township Police Chief Rick Core and his wife, ILMS 7th grade teacher Jana Core, wrote a letter contacting local businesses on behalf of the district to help sponsor these additional safety mechanisms. Jana Core says, “It really got to me because we’re from the West Liberty community. I had been looking at these barricades for about two years, but there were issues with them being accepted by fire officials. That’s no longer a problem, so I thought we need to look at this again.“
When Core’s letter reached Honda Transmission Manufacturing Division Manager of Company Services Mike Fagan, he knew this was a project worth spearheading because they want to be a good neighbor and help keep kids safe. At the meeting, ILHS Student Council representative Katelyn Hogan expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire student body.
Core says donations from other local businesses and individuals will likely cover the cost of completing the project at Indian Lake Elementary School as well. Indian Lake Superintendent Pat O’Donnell estimates the total cost the project at approximately $15,000.
O’Donnell says, “We are extremely grateful to HTM and the entire local business community for making this project possible and for their great commitment to keeping our students and staff safe. By covering the cost of these devices for us, the district will be able to purchase other additional safety equipment at this time as well.”
Indian Lake Middle School Co-Principals Missy Mefford and Don Bauer presented at the board meeting about the new Makerspace in the ILMS Media Center and other middle school activities. The Board also honored senior swimmer Skyler Tavenner, who competed in the state swim meet and junior Connor Dixon, who competed in the state wrestling meet, along with wrestling coach Ryan Dickson.
The next board meeting is Monday, April 17th at 6:30 pm.