New measures are shaking up the security protocols across Pennsylvania's schools, aiming to address rising concerns about safety. Under recent additions to the Pennsylvania Public School Code, each school district is now mandated to include at least one full-time security guard on the premises.
This requirement is part of Senate Bill 700, which was signed as Act 55 within the recent budget agreement involving the state legislature. Interestingly, the new rule does not necessarily mean schools will deploy armed personnel, leaving it up to the districts to decide.
Ali Gantz, speaking on behalf of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, clarified, "The new requirement for at least one full-time school security personnel on duty during the school day does not require them to be armed." Instead, the focus is on ensuring security personnel meet required training standards.
For example, police officers on school security duty must complete training set by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). This specific training is currently limited to school police officers who carry weapons, indicating the gradual shift toward bolstered security protocols rather than immediate changes.
While some school districts already have security personnel employed, there are concerns about how quickly they can adapt to these changing requirements. Karen Smith, president of the Central Bucks School Board, pointed out their existing security personnel are split between their district and local police departments, which eases some financial burdens.
"Obviously, we have security issues at all schools in the country at this point," Smith commented, adding, "But I am sensitive to some communities who may not be interested in having an armed officer." This reflects the nuanced views among parents and educators about the presence of armed security at schools.
She emphasized the importance of local control, saying, "That's kind of the beauty of local control. You can look at it from your point of view." School districts will have the flexibility to choose what makes sense for their communities.
District officials have another financial avenue to fund these security roles: they can seek assistance through the School Safety and Security grants program until late September. Gantz mentioned there’s also been the creation of an account to reimburse schools up to $50,000 for the expenses incurred by hiring full-time security personnel.
This reimbursement fund is set to become available starting July of next year, contingent on legislative approval. Given the alarming statistics from the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety, which reported a 31% increase in school shootings during the last academic year, the need for effective security measures is even more pronounced.
According to David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, last year had some of the highest rates of gun violence recorded since tracking began over ten years ago. The gravity of this situation has prompted many, including superintendents and school boards, to rethink their safety strategies.
One such proactive approach is seen at North Star School District where Superintendent Louis Lepley assured their security staff is well-trained, even if they do not routinely carry firearms. "So I guess we're ahead of the curve — way, way ahead of the curve — in regard," Lepley said, emphasizing the community's support for their current practices.
Lepley expressed optimism about school police officers, stating, "I think if you can do these little things, it will help with safety and security for your students, staff, and community. I think it's something you have to follow through on." His words highlight the importance of consistent follow-up on security measures.
Importantly, the legislation allows for certain waivers to the requirement for trained personnel if districts can demonstrate attempts to fulfill this condition but struggle to find qualified officers. According to Gantz, schools can request this waiver for one year, provided they act in good faith.
Despite the new security requirements, concerns linger about how schools will navigate these changes, especially small districts facing unique challenges. The local conversations around arming or disarming school security reflect the broader tension around gun policies and student safety.
For many parents, the thought of armed guards at their children’s schools evokes mixed emotions. Yet, as tragedies have increased nationwide, many are left wondering what the best response truly is.
With local voices weighing heavily, communities across Pennsylvania continue to engage in discussions about safety approaches. The recent shifts point to the urgent need for flexible security solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policies.
Parents and educators alike are realizing the importance of collaboration when it involves keeping schools safe. After all, stakeholders want to strike the right balance between comfort and security for their children.
This entire movement toward greater school security is underscored by the desire for safer educational environments, which is why the upcoming months will be pivotal for school boards as they adjust to new mandates.
How they implement these protocols will set the tone not just for the current school year but for years to come, as the conversations around school safety continue. The stakes are high, and for parents, students, and educators, there’s no room for missteps when the safety of children is at stake.
