Cameras will monitor Greenbrook school.
By: Nick D’Amore
Surveillance cameras will be installed at Greenbrook School earlier than expected, due in part to evidence loosely linking the surrounding area with an anthrax-laced letter sent to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle last week.
Superintendent Sam Stewart said there had been plans to place cameras in the school prior to the incident because there is not a clear view of the main entrance from the main office.
"We decided to accelerate that plan," he said.
Dr. Stewart said the cameras have been ordered and will be installed as soon as possible.
The letter’s return address read that it was from a fourth-grade class from Greendale School in Franklin Park. There is no such school in the state, however the ZIP code on the return address is the ZIP code of Monmouth Junction.
Dr. Stewart said he sent a letter out to parents last week informing them that all elementary schools also may have cameras placed in their buildings. Dayton, Deans and Monmouth Junction schools currently are the only the schools in the district with cameras.
"We’re responding quickly. We’re trying to deal with the anxiety of the post-Sept. 11 environment and at the same time provide an anxiety-free learning environment," he said.
Dr. Stewart said the South Brunswick Police Department and "other investigators" had been to the school and confirmed that it was safe.
He estimates the equipment will cost $2,000.
Dr. Stewart said parents should help keep the schools safe by paying attention to the surroundings.
"I would like parents to be vigilant about watching the school as they would their own home and to report any mischievous actions to the police," he said.

