By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Marlton Sun
A moment of silence was held for the 26 victims of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School at the Dec. 18 township council meeting
Mayor Randy Brown wasted no time by taking action to ensure the safety of the students of Evesham Township.
Following the events in CT on Friday, Dec. 14, Brown made calls between Police Chief Michael Barth and Board of Education President Sandy Student to ensure police presence before-and after-school.
Currently, there is a short term plan in place with police presence at arrival and dismissal of the students each day, and will continue through the middle of January.
A full time decision about police presence will be made later in January.
According to township manager Bill Cromie, officers have been asked to remain in the vicinity of a school, so if an emergency should arise there can be a quick response.
Unmarked cars have been parked at district schools at different times throughout the day.
“As the parent of a 4 year old and a 6 year old, both of whom I had to drop off on Monday, it was obviously one of the toughest days I’ve had. It was challenging for all the parents, but we need to move forward,” said Mayor Randy Brown.
As a result, a summit will be held to create a plan to keep students safe. The police department, superintendent John Scavelli, Lenape Regional High School District superintendent Carol Birnbohm, in addition to security officials for the schools will be invited to attend the summit.
“We’d like to find out what our options are,” said Brown. “At the end of the day, my goal, is to make our schools as safe as possible so we can avert a tragedy from happening.
New fields
The township introduced an ordinance on the first reading appropriating $5.1 million for the construction of a new baseball and softball complex.
The money came from the open space bonds, not taxpayer money, according to Brown.
Brown hopes to be throwing out the first pitch in approximately 15 months.
“This is a facility we can play four baseball games at one time or four softball games at one time. This field won’t be stagnant,” said Brown.
Additionally, the fields can host a total of 12 tee ball games at once.
Next meeting
Regular action was taken on the consent agenda.
A special meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31. The reorganization meeting will be held on Jan. 7.
