By Robert Zirgulis
Although I have made a major issue of fixing the Culver City Natatorium swimming pool in my campaign for School Board, there are other major issues I want to address in this election.
Over the next 13 weeks, I intend to discuss and invite dialogue on a range of subjects which will include teaching financial education, school security and safety, bond issues, parcel taxes, regional occupation programs and internships with local businesses, Rosetta Stone language programs, therapy dog training, special needs, facilities maintenance, air purification in classrooms, volunteers and parental involvement, out-of-district permit policies, and a host of other issues.
I would like to discuss campus security and safety. As a School Board candidate and employee of the District, I have asked to be an observer of the CCPD/CCUSD training exercises that will be held on the high school campus this week. I am in full support of these exercises that could save lives.
As a substitute teacher, I have been able to visit all the campuses and have informal talks with all the security personnel in the School District. My impression is that they are doing a great job in keeping order and security on all the campuses. I noticed our security people maintain a very good rapport with the students. They have their ear to the ground to know what is going on.
One thing that impresses me most about our security personnel is that they back up teachers when they have occasional disciplinary problems. You won't see that in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Historically, the only incidents involving shootings happened outside of campus after school. I would encourage the Culver City Police Dept. to have a patrol car outside campus when school lets out to serve as a deterrent and help with traffic issues.
Mr. Zirgulis may be contacted at zirgulusr@yahoo.com
