CLINTON — At its Dec. 21 meeting, the Clinton school board of education approved the purchase of a new security system for its schools.

Board members listened to a presentation from Beck Tech on a new security system that would provide 105 new cameras and new software. The new system will include security inside Lincoln and Douglas schools, something these schools have been without. It will also provide better images and detailed search capabilities.

A $350,000 grant will pay for the majority of the new security with the school district footing just over $61,000. Board member John Heinlen said the upgrade is “well worth $60,000.”

The new system will be installed in the summer of 2022.

In another matter, Superintendent Curt Nettles reported that he, along with other superintendents, recently secured a meeting with Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.

“I will tell you that Dr. Ezike was easy to talk to,” said Nettles. “She repeated our concerns back to us so there is zero miscommunication on what our concerns are and the fact that we would like more local control over what we’re doing.”

During the meeting, only board member Chris Hammer wore a mask, despite a state executive order requiring masks be worn indoors by all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to pre-K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

“(Dr. Ezike) is obviously a staunch supporter of masking.” said Nettles, but, “she understands our concerns.”

• See the complete story in the Friday, Dec. 24,print edition of the Clinton Journal or Wednesday in the Journal E-Edition for subscribers.