Selma City Schools is taking steps to stop vandalism at Knox Elementary School.

Acting Selma Superintendent of Education Larry DiChiara and the system’s director of operations, Ray Mathiews, recently took a trip to the school on Mabry Street.

The back of the building had been vandalized, fences torn and windows busted, shot out and spray-painted.

“I just wanted you to know we’re trying to address that issue because it is a problem,” DiChiara said during Thursday’s work session. “And one of the teachers came and talked to me and does not feel safe. We’re going to do whatever we can to make our folks feel safe.”

DiChiara said the board has plans to purchase additional security cameras, increase lighting and add a mechanism that will help secure windows.

The superintendent said the Selma Police Department has also agreed to increase patrols around Knox.

DiChiara also updated the board about renovations at Hope Academy, a disciplinary program formally known as Phoenix Alternative Program.

Under a combined effort of Selma City Schools, Special Program of Achieving Network and Compass, the academy held its grand opening in October.

Dallas County District Judge Bob Armstrong, who envisioned Hope Academy, received a $75,000 grant to make additional renovations, which will include repainting a wing of the building, possibly upgrade lighting and stripping the floors.

DiChiara also mentioned the system’s intent to begin a career center and teen pregnancy program at Hope Academy.

“My two previous school districts, we had a really good teen pregnancy program, and we kept a lot of good teens in school,” said DiChiara, who served as the superintendent of Phenix City Schools and central office administrator of Lee County Schools.

The next Selma City School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb.10 at the Selma High Library at 6 p.m.