School Metal Detectors Possible in 2015-16

by Jonathan Weaver

Increased security may be coming to Armstrong School District’s two junior/senior high schools as soon as this Fall.

School board directors will vote Monday evening whether to purchase six walk-through metal detectors for the entrances to the new-Armstrong Junior/Senior High in Manor Township and West Shamokin Junior/Senior High in Rural Valley.

School Superintendent Stan Chapp said four of the metal detectors would be set up at the new school entrance and the other two would be positioned inside West Shamokin Junior/Senior High, but that the machines are mobile.

Director of Student Transportation, Child Accounting and Safe Schools Jon Fair said during the past year, administrators discussed the new safety measure.

Fair said administrators are trying to be proactive and that school districts of all ranges of enrollment and location are moving toward the added security.

“I look at it as just another layer of security – you just can’t put all your eggs in one basket and say ‘this is the only thing we’re going to go with.’ Today, (there are) just too many things out there.

At the end of 2014, school officials visited a local school district and officials spoke with a sample size of six school districts in the state that currently utilizes metal detectors – Karns City, Butler, Ambridge, New Castle, Hazelton and Central Fulton.

School Board President Joseph Close said board directors didn’t discuss metal detectors during planning for the new school, but came to expect the security upgrade.

“It’s the wave of the future. It’s important,” Close said. “I don’t like it but we’ve got to take those measures to protect the students and staff.

“It’s good that we can provide it. I think we’ll get through some growing pains – people might be intimidated by it at first, but it’s what we’ve come to know.”
Along with the business item, three policy items regarding the metal detectors would also have to be passed Monday evening. The drafted policies have been reviewed by district principals and administrators.

The policies would allow for random, as-needed or daily screenings.

“There are all types of different models that have been used out there,” Chapp said. “It’s been done a lot of different ways in a lot of different school systems.”

In addition to the metal detectors, Armstrong Lock and Security officers from Kittanning would also carry three handheld wands and ‘wand’ students if they set off the metal detector.

A table between the metal detectors would also be set up for students to show teachers any metal items that may set off the alarm. According to Fair, all Karns City students are able to pass through the metal detectors and into the school building within 15 minutes after the morning drop off.

He said Karns City officials recommended starting the school year with random security checks until students were used to the procedure.

“The metal detector keeps track of how many people are going through,” Fair said. “It’s very seamless now for the (students) to go in there.”

School Board Director Paul Lobby was concerned if the metal detectors would effectively deter a threat.

“Obviously you’re going to find some things, but in the big picture, does it really make a difference?” Lobby asked.

Security officers at one school district noted scanned outside the building the first year metal detectors were installed and were able to fill a box with metal weapons.

The metal detectors may also be utilized for sporting events in the future.

“Talking with the high school principals, once this is in place and if it gets moving just like Karns City’s or Butler’s, they are willing to use it for sporting events – such as basketball or volleyball – held inside the complex. Those schools are starting to do the same thing,” Fair said.
Money from the district construction funds would purchase the equipment if passed, Business Director Sam Kirk said.

Fair told Close detector sensitivity settings can be changed as not to jam entrances.

If school directors do agree to purchase the metal detectors, a letter will be sent home with students before the end of the school year.

Metal detectors for the elementary schools are not being considered at this time, Fair added.

Board directors held a nearly-two hour executive session at the intermediate school to discuss personnel, student confidentiality and real estate.

In addition to the business discussions, school directors also heard the final student reports from West Shamokin High School student board representatives – including one that will graduate in June.

Senior Board Representative Collin Adamson – a future Indiana University of Pennsylvania student hoping to also enroll in the U.S. Naval Academy – introduced 2015-16 Junior Board Representative Larissa Kijowski during the report.

Currently finishing her sophomore year, Kijowski – of Dayton – said she felt being a school board representative would be a great way to get to know the elected board members and strengthen her high school resume.

Adamson’s replacement has not been officially made. Kijowski replaces current Junior Board Representative Vince Palilla – who is moving to Tennessee.

While Adamson provided regular updates as to student activities at the high school and Elderton Elementary, Kijowski will update board representatives about activities at Dayton and Shannock Valley elementary schools.

 

2 Comments

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  By mad-2010, May 9, 2015 @ 6:24 AM

  Metal detectors should be Mandatory in this day and age… No need for a big production, just do it!
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  By sickofpayingforit, May 9, 2015 @ 10:02 PM

  Is it too late to add battlements and a moat up at that Taj Majal North?

  Metal Detectors in a school just seems so much like “TV” to me being from this area. I always thought it was a good thing we didn’t have that stuff, and didn’t need it!

  Again, we are scraping and scratching to provide a complex for our kids to play sports in where they statistically have a MUCH greater chance serious harm than anything a metal detector will sniff out. The numbers aren’t even close.

  Are we making decisions based on the media coverage or proven statistics?

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