Putting a Price on School Security

District 200's Mission and Vision Statement says "A safe and secure environment should be provided in all of our buildings."  In May 2010, the Board spent almost half a million dollars of money from the Hubble referendum installing security cameras at the high schools.  It claimed the cameras would help with security, and then-Superintendent Dr. Baker has claimed that they save money by reducing staffing needs.  However, they haven't saved on police staffing.  At the August 10 board meeting, the Board will vote to renew the intergovernmental agreement that provides for two full-time Wheaton police officers to patrol the two high school campuses.  But there is a significant cost; the total compensation package for the two officers is over $281,000 a year, of which District 200 taxpayers will pay nearly $200,000.  Wheaton taxpayers pick up the rest.

For those who doubt public sector workers get very generous fringe benefits, one officer makes $81,407 in salary, but costs an amazing $66,327 in additional fringe benefits - equal to an extra 81.5% of salary - under the City of Wheaton's current contract (now being renegotiated).  But that's a topic for another post.

District 200 says it has negotiated the agreement to cut costs (to District 200) versus last year.  Rather than paying 75% of salary, District 200 will pay only 68%, so the District projects spending about $22,000 less than last year - IF the new police contract does not contain increases in wages or benefits.  But that would still cost the District at least $191,000 a year, plus the cost to Wheaton taxpayers who pick up the remaining $90,000.  Board members like to say "we all pay the same taxes" but that's not true here - taxpayers in Warrenville, Carol Stream, or unincorporated areas send students to the high schools, but don't pay the full cost of this program.

Why not hire private security guards?  There is no indication that the District has investigated this option.  But, if law enforcement personnel are needed, has the District checked with the DuPage County Sheriff?  If you want to know how to spend efficiently, ask Milton Township – it contracts with DuPage County to provide police protection for residents of unincorporated areas for only $203,000 a year total, and that price includes patrolling within a 36 square mile area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Having officers at a fixed site for only 180 days during school hours would undoubtedly cost much less.  Not only would this eliminate the double tax on Wheaton residents, it would save the District money compared with the proposed agreement, a win win situation for all.