UC High recently received new security cameras and furniture in order to improve campus safety and enhance student learning. The items were purchased independently of each other: San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) bought security cameras for UC High, while UC High discretionary funds paid for the furniture.
According to Vice Principal Michael Paredes, two new security cameras were installed in the 400 building, in addition to the 18 cameras already present around campus.
“The district received a school-safety grant several years ago. As result, they asked schools about where they would put a few cameras if we were to get some new ones,” said Principal Jeff Olivero. “We said we would put them in the 400 building, as they would be closest to the student parking lot.”
The cameras have been set to monitor the 400 building. “We do not lock the doors that face the parking lot because we have classrooms that need access through these doors,” explained Olivero. “To add an additional pair of eyes to the corridor, the new cameras are being placed in this [400 building] area.”
According to School Policeman Luis Espinoza, the cameras “record video of all the activity that occurs in the hallways and also around the exterior of the buildings.” “Our Police Dispatch Center has access to the cameras and are able to view them at any time, day or night,” said Espinoza. “The data collected is recorded and can be saved for up to 72 hours.”
Teachers Benedict Curatolo, John Fiorentino, and Tracy Lynn teach in the 400 building. “Improving safety and security on campus is important,” said Curatolo. “I am glad to know that the cameras have been installed.” Fiorentino said, “I’m glad to see them [cameras], because there’s not always security around to see what kids are doing.” “I think we should have them in all the rooms,” said Lynn. “We don’t want the kids getting out of control, and if there’s a camera, maybe they’ll be less likely to snap or just be inappropriate.”
In addition to the cameras, UC High acquired new furniture, according to Olivero. The furniture consisted of 525 chairs, 380 triangular desks, 70 computer tables, and 6 consultation tables, all of which cost a total of 73,107.26 dollars, according to the purchase allocation sheet provided by Olivero. Old furniture was replaced with new chairs and triangular desks during Spring Break, while the Media Center’s computer lab housed the new computer tables.
“The purpose of getting those [triangular desks] is to modernize our classrooms and to allow for greater student collaboration, rather than the single desk chairs where you sit in a traditional row and listen to the teacher speak,” said Olivero.
According to Olivero, in 2010, Propositions S and Z granted UC High and other SDUSD schools money, which included discretionary funds that UC High most recently used to buy the furniture. “The school is getting over 11 million dollars [from Propositions S and Z] to renovate its facilities, of which a portion is given to the school as discretionary [money], for odds and ends things,” said Olivero.
The amount of discretionary money each school receives “…is based on a formula regarding how many students you have. We’ve received around 400, 000 dollars in discretionary [money],” said Olivero. “We’ve spent all the Proposition S money, and now we’re moving into the Proposition Z money that we’re starting to spend.”
According to Olivero, the consultation tables will arrive in classes in the future. “The [consultation tables] are kidney-shaped, where you have four or five kids sitting around a moon-shaped table, and the teacher’s sitting on one side being able to work with three or four kids at a time. We haven’t broken those out,” said Olivero.
Teacher Richard Norton, whose class received new triangular desks, said that the new desks were bought to “improve the learning environment for students.” He added, “I think [the triangular desks] will help students be prepared for a twenty-first century education.”
“The [triangular desks] are great for collaborating, doing work, and they’re really comfortable,” said Sophomore Eric Fernandez. “They’re convenient for putting pencils in the cubby,” said Freshman Hannah Toombs. “They’re nicer looking and cleaner,” she added.