School district might increase security

WAPELLO, Iowa — Two recent threats may lead to increased security in the Wapello School District.

Superintendent John Weidner updated the school board this week on his investigation into security cameras for all three of the district’s attendance centers.

Weidner said security inspectors suggested 30 cameras for the high school, eight to 14 cameras at the elementary and up to four at the preschool. The inspection was spurred by two threats written on restroom walls at the high school.

One student has been charged for the first threat, while the investigation into the second threat is continuing.

Board members said they supported the increased security and Weidner said he would seek bids for next month’s meeting.

In other action, the board acted on several issues dealing with the high school auditorium renovation. A $12,933 change order to remove lead-based paint from the auditorium was approved by the board, which also agreed to declare the auditorium’s old wooden seats as surplus equipment.

Local residents will be allowed to purchase the seats for a donation.

— Jim Rudisill