Charles High Schools Ready for Their Close-Up

Charles County finished installing high-quality cameras at its six high schools, totaling 212 interior and 60 exterior devices.

Jerry Butkiewicz, the school system's maintenance supervisor, said the cameras have been equipped with a program that allows officials to monitor what's happening in schools. Also, a new computer program allows principals to pre-select areas of concern. Once motion is detected in the pre-selected areas, the camera automatically records at 15 frames per second, instead of one frame per second, allowing for clearer pictures, Butkiewicz told the Board of Education at its regular meeting last week.

Superintendent James E. Richmond said that the cameras do not replace staff members' vigilance and that, with them, the school system was "trying to be proactive instead of trying to react."

In the next phase of the project, playgrounds, main entrances and other areas will be selected for surveillance at elementary and middle schools, said Charles Wineland, assistant superintendent of supporting services.

The cameras have "a tremendous capability to deter, and if not deter, at least find who was responsible for whatever incident," Wineland said.

School board member Pamela A. Pedersen said, "Word to the wise, the cameras are there, and we are watching."

Lexington Park Counseling Center Expanding

Walden Sierra, a counseling center for individuals suffering from trauma or addiction, is opening a larger site in Lexington Park on Nov. 2 called Hope Place.

The site, 21770 FDR Blvd., will provide recovery treatment and services, including outpatient treatment for addictions, as well as crisis and counseling services.

The Lexington Park site will close this month because of state and local budget cuts.

"The consolidation of sites will allow us to make the most efficient use of a limited amount of donation, foundation and grant dollars, while maximizing the availability of our services where the needs are the greatest," Kathleen O'Brien, Walden's executive director, said in a statement.

Walden will consolidate from four to three facilities in St. Mary's County.

Md. Group Taps St. Mary's School Official as President

Cathy Allen, vice chairman of the St. Mary's County Board of Education, has been named president of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education.