The Atlantic School Board, Monday, tabled a last minute addition to their agenda, with regard to the purchase of security cameras for the Middle School. Middle School Principal Josh Rasmussen said recent incidents where he spent a good deal of time investigating what occurred, could have been more easily resolved with the addition of three security cameras.

The Board received two bids for security cameras and related equipment, but the question of how to pay for them dogged the school board. Business Manager Mary Beth Fast said they could add them to the physical plant and equipment levy project list (PPEL), because it’s a safety issue, but that might mean shifting other projects out.

Board President Kristy Pellett said the cameras would be more equipment that would eventually need to be replaced, and something they need to plan for. Board member Phil Hascall agreed. He said he understands it’s a matter of safety, but there needs to be better planning, additional discussion, and how other PPEL projects might be affected. Pellett said there’s already a lot of projects on the list they’ve been putting off, that are equally important.

Pellett said keeping up with technology is important, but she said “Somewhere, we’ve got to set some priorities.” Superintendent Mike Amstein said the matter would be placed before the Board during their meeting next month, once more information has been gathered.