New assessment aims to strengthen Mineola school security
NCSTA
The Mineola Board of Education discussed school security, student activities and several policy and staffing matters during its Thursday, Oct. 8, meeting.
Representatives from Covert Investigations and Security, which the district partnered with, presented an overview of the company’s ongoing assessment of the district’s security procedures and its work providing daily security support. The company began its assessment during the summer and has had personnel on the ground in Mineola schools on a daily basis since September. Donald Flynn, president and owner of Covert Investigations and Security, said the company focuses primarily on K-12 security and takes a broad approach that includes personnel, emergency planning, technology and infrastructure.
“Security belongs to everybody,” Flynn said, explaining that the company evaluates not only security personnel but everyone who works in the district.
The company also discussed behavioral threat assessments, which involve collaboration among school administrators, teachers, social workers, mental health professionals and law enforcement. Representatives said the goal is to identify concerning behavior and intervene before a situation escalates.
“The goal of behavioral threat assessment is intervention, not punitive,” Flynn said, emphasizing that students should receive help and support when appropriate rather than immediately being treated as disciplinary or criminal matters.
Covert representatives also said the district’s existing security measures were being evaluated to determine how personnel and technology could be used most effectively. The company plans to make recommendations regarding the deployment of security personnel and whether additional resources are necessary. Flynn said more spending is not the solution.
“Usually, money is not the answer,” he said. “It’s about doing things and making sure you’re maximizing what you currently have.”
The company also discussed technology, including visitor management systems, enhanced driver’s licenses and the potential role of artificial intelligence in school security. Representatives said they would continue monitoring new technology and determining what could be integrated into the district’s existing systems.
Board members asked about when the completed security assessment would be available. Covert representatives said the report was expected to be completed shortly but noted that portions of the assessment would remain confidential because releasing specific vulnerabilities could compromise school security.
The board also approved an increase in substitute nurse pay for the 2026-27 school year. District officials said securing substitute nurses has been difficult and that the increase was intended to help retain available substitutes.
The board approved a policy change concerning compulsory school attendance, clarifying that children who turn 6 by Dec. 1 must be enrolled in school. Officials said the change brings district policy in line with the statutory deadline.
Another resolution approved a new stipend position for Game Day Cheer after the district’s cheer program became a competitive sport.
Student Ex-Officio Member Kim Sandoval also highlighted the high school marching band’s upcoming trip to London for the 2027 New Year’s parade. The band was selected as one of 16 U.S. bands invited to participate. The student representative also reported that the district’s final college fair brought together 440 colleges, universities, trade schools and military representatives.
The board also recognized three PTAs — Meadow Drive, Hampton Street and the middle school — for earning Schools of Excellence recognition from the National PTA.
