After 41 years with the Pleasant Valley School District high school Principal John Gress has decided to retire. The decision became final on Thursday evening when the school board directors voted to accept Gress' request.

"I'm not going anywhere, not leaving the district," said Gress. "This is going to be my high school graduation as well."Many of the directors and the building principals in attendance thanked Gress and wished him good luck.Gress thanked everyone for their kind thoughts.The district also took action by approving the purchase of Navigate Prepared software system for each of the district's buildings.The software, along with peripheral items will provide first responders and security staff with exact building layouts should an emergency occur at one of the schools. In addition, real time communications will be available for staff, with additional video cameras in all common areas of the schools."We have talked about this and I understand what this is, but this is about what happens if someone gets into the school," said director Len Peeters. "I would like to see us investing our money in something that will keep them out in the first place. More surveillance on the outside, more security on the outside."For that reason Peeters was the only member to vote against the Navigate Prepared purchase.PVEA President John Gesiske addressed the board and echoed Peeters' concerns. Gesiske also asked where specifically the cameras would be placed and how they would be monitored.Superintendent Carole Geary said cameras are already in place in the schools that are constantly monitored and this would add to what already exists.The cost of the service was approved at $9,600 for two years. The ongoing yearly cost is $1,000 per building.The district also approved a three-year lease with Integra One for district computers at a cost of $102,305.95 per year. The purchase of a 2016 Ford Transit Connect was approved for $19,301.55.