In a school board meeting lasting nearly four hours on the first of April, the board approved a new school security system that will enhance security inside and outside of the school, a new software that will help focus instruction, the DASH plan for Mesa View Elementary, as well as the recent successes and future competitions for the Mesa View Archers.
School Security System & New Software
Grants High School and Mount Taylor Elementary recently had severe acts of vandalism. A new camera system has been approved, to ensure a safer environment and quicker way to catch culprits, as it would be inside and outside.
This system will allow for the permitted staff to use their authorized devices in order to check any of the cameras anytime of the day, from wherever they are.
Additionally, it will have face recognition, alerting users when someone isn’t recognized or doesn’t belong on campus, identifying and being able to pull up every video with any certain person or item.
License plates will be scanned to ensure safety.
This system has AI integrated in it, 4k resolution, and uses a cloud system, so even if there isn’t internet, it will be on local storage until the internet is working again.
This new security system, Verkada, will cost $1,917,799.94, with a 31% discount on all hardware and software, payed out of the 2025 bond.
It has a ten-year warranty, meaning anything that is broken would be replaced with the newest version of it.
In addition to the cameras, 90 vape detectors are planned to be added, and once the users are identified, they will be given the help that they need.
This system is tailored to the school district, as Cooper Jones stated, “Our system is like no other system, because it’s ours.”
Jeremy Hocker, the head of security, stated “This decision… is [going to] provide securities into 2035. That’s the legacy we can leave behind when we move in. That we have created that secure environment by using it.”
A new software that is to be used will have focused instruction and be able to transcribe, translate, and even create quizzed based on the lessons that students must complete. It is compatible with WiFi 6, Android OS, and easily accessible. It can screen share and has safety features built into it.
The cost of complete replacement of the old solution will be $1,029,012.96, which is about one third of the cost of the current software.
The computers that are being replaced, but are still functional, will either be donated to a different school or auctioned off, while the non-functional devices will be recycled.
Mesa View DASH Plan & Archers
Mesa View currently has 474 students and a variety of activities such as Zumba, game day, movie and popcorn day, emotional charades and escape rooms.
The school is seeing a gain in math and English language arts, as well as improving attendance. The first quarter saw a school wide attendance rate of 89%, while the second has 87%, and the third was 87.98%.
Communication with parents is improving throughout the school and social emotional learning is being promoted. The road blocks because of the construction has caused the staff and students to travel a different route, which has been working.
To ensure that the students continually learn, there are monthly committee meetings and social emotional themes with the students such as self management, self awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making, all managed by grade level.
Family nights are hosted so the staff can provide families with valuable resources, support, and positively encourage them as they deal with students who have disabilities, showing that the staff are determined to make sure that all students benefit by going to school and helping the families to continue making progress.
The archers at Mesa View Elementary have seen success, qualifying for the national archery competition.
Beginning the competition in 2022, they were able to make the state tournament, while in 2025, they have placed in district competition, state competition, and qualified for the national championship.
In the recent archery championship, Krysh Quismundo placed 6th out of 120, while Cubero elementary archers Elianna Sausa was 5th, and Shaun Sausa was 7th out of 153.
Mesa View elementary aims to foster positive attitudes and competitiveness, providing the participants with access and equal opportunities to be in adverse sports.
This helps the students to be prepared athletes for future completion, build character, and resilience through sportsmanship.
The national competition is in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the registration fee is $105, travel $727, lodging $442, with the total estimated cost being about $3,636.8.
“With your support, we can take our passion for archery to the next level.”
Additional GHS and LAHS successes include the video news production team including Logan Hooper, Joel Small, Matthew Holdene, and Cody Melones, receiving a gold medal and qualifying for the national skills USA. There was 39 students participating, with one team winning third place in the quiz bowl. They are currently raising money to go to Atlanta for a competition.
Heading into the end of the school year, there are many exciting things taking place and improvements being set for the 2025-2026 school year.