School Board Approves Security Windows for Locker Rooms

The Hauppauge Board of Education voted to have security windows installed in the boys and girls locker rooms at to increase student security. Some wondered if the windows would serve as a deterrent or offer a glimpse for a Peeping Tom.

By vote of 6-1, trustees approved a measure Tuesday night that will have shaded security windows installed between the coaches/teachers office and locker rooms in the middle school. The project is estimated to cost $9,000 per window, according to James Stucchio, assistant superintendent of business and operations.

"The purpose of putting in windows is to assist the teachers in having more of a vision of what is going on in the locker room," said Superintendent Patricia Sullivan-Kriss.

The superintendent said in speaking with the Middle School Principal Maryann Fletcher and the athletic director, both supported the installation of the windows so students could be monitored.

However, Board President Geri Richter questioned whether the security window could create a privacy issues and its $18,000 price tag.

"I have been in the middle school several times. With the existing window in to the gym, even if you tried to put one-way glass on the outside, there will be times you can see from the gym through the coaches office directly into the locker room," Richter said.

She was further concerned about whether the security window would impact students' behavior.

"I am of the opinion it will give a false sense of security," Richter said. "It's an unnecessary expenditure and a bad choice."

Currently, the district instructs gym teachers to walk the boys and girls locker rooms to monitor students' behavior. There is an existing window between the gym and boys coaches' office, that will need to be shaded and have blinds installed in. 

"I am concerned about the window into the gym," said Trustee Pat Lesser. "If you can walk up to it and you can see through it, have we made a peep-hole into the locker room where students will be changing?"

The superintendent and other board members admitted that even with the shading, there is a possibility students close to the window might be able to see through it. Sullivan-Kriss said if it were an issue, it would be addressed as necessary after the windows are installed.

"I believe it's a possible deterrent to having students do things in the middle school locker rooms," said trustee Ann Macaluso, former board president. "If an additional window in either locker room prevents another child from being tortured, I'm okay with it.

Funding for the security windows will come from _used to renovate the middle school and high school over the past two years.