PITTSFIELD – Safety and security were the two golden words Monday night as SAD 53 directors grappled with policies on harassment and staff conduct with students, while also learning of a cutting-edge communication tool at Maine Central Institute.

At several parent meetings last year, communication with MCI on both routine and emergency issues was consistently raised as a concern. A new instant alert system will solve that issue, MCI Head of School Joanne Szadkowski told the board.

Szadkowski said the school has nearly completed negotiating for a new system that can instantly alert parents about instances ranging from a late sports bus to a fire on campus.

Parents will be able to provide contact information to MCI by using their home computers or by coming to MCI for assistance.

Parents can also request what level of information they want to obtain, everything from routine daily announcements to major events.

Szadkowski said that depending on what method parents have chosen, they will then be alerted.

“A parent could ask, for example, to be notified about one level of information through e-mail but also choose to receive major announcements by cell phone,” Szadkowski said. “This is a cutting-edge tool and we are very excited about the safety and security implications.”

The instant alert system, which could be in place before the end of this school year, could accommodate 700 parents. Automated messages would be sent via e-mail, cell phone or conventional phone, pager, or even by text messages.

In other business, the SAD 53 board approved a new policy dictating staff conduct with students. Another policy, dealing with harassment, will be voted on at the next meeting.

The board also:

. Heard a presentation on the Warsaw Middle School Transitions program, being taught by Angela Penney, which assists students struggling in a specific subject. Principal Sandy Nevens said eight to ten pupils are currently enrolled and the length of the program will depend on their individual success. “This is an intervention program,” Nevens explained. A new process to bring students quickly into the program when they are experiencing trouble in any subject is under way.

. Learned from the district’s building committee that up to $120,000 worth of district projects are planned for this summer. The projects would be funded through capital reserves. They include repaving the driveway and resurfacing the playground wood chips at Vickery School; sanding and refinishing the gymnasium floor, replacing restroom sinks, replacing stair treads, replacing west end exterior doors at Warsaw Middle School; and replacing an exterior door at Manson Park School.

. Extended the two-year contract with administrators Faye Anderson, Sandy Nevens, Anne Miller and Stacey Shorey for an additional year, to June 2008.