Bedford Schools to Get Security Co. on Watch

A security company will soon have its personnel on patrol at the perimeters of Bedford Central's school buildings.

The school board voted unanimously at its Wednesday meeting to retain Summit Security Services, a Hartsdale-based company, from March 1 to June 30. The district has the option to extend the deal for the 2013-14 school year.

The billing rate for the deal will be $26.50 per hour for each person used.

The intent for the deal focuses on the perimeters of the buildings; Superintendent Jere Hochman told Patch that they would be "predominantly outside." However, they could be used inside as well, which Hochman said would be in "providing some support in the offices”

“The idea is we want eyes on the outside of the building," Hochman said.

The superintendent declined to say whether the company's employees will be armed.

The decision to hire the company is the latest security matter for Bedford Central since the December school shooting in nearby Newtown, CT. Other response measures from the district have included hiring an outside consultant to assess the school buildings, and a request from Hochman to officials in Bedford, Mount Kisco and Pound Ridge to provide police presences through the end of the school year.

Asked for an update on his request, Hochman explained that each town has been offering police.