Security being evaluated at Charleroi schools in wake of Fla. shooting
CHARLEROI – Safety upgrades at Charleroi Area schools may be on the horizon.
In lieu of the recent school shooting that left 17 dead in Parkland, Fla., the district is looking into the district’s strong points and weaknesses in its security. Student school board representative Emily LaCarte told Charleroi school board on Tuesday that discussions with other students have brought up some issues.
Some of the ideas she said were discussed were possibly installing metal detectors, having verified fire drills, keeping classroom doors shut and locked and safety measures during class changes and assemblies.
Superintendent Ed Zelich said he has met with Charleroi Regional Police Chief Eric Porter and discussed measures the school could take to enhance security. He said they discussed areas that are secure and the areas that are lacking.
The school currently has armed security officers. Zelich said items being discussed include entrance doors, tinted windows, a vestibule area and a scanning system.
“We looked at 13 surrounding school districts and only one district has metal detectors,” he said. Zelich said the discussion with Porter will be brought to the board for discussion. He said the bottom line is how best to keep students safe.
Zelich also said the administration wants to keep an open dialogue regarding the National School Walkout Day on March 14, when students plan to protest Congress’ inaction to address school violence and remember the students who died in the Parkland school shooting. He said he has been approached by some high school students interested in participating.
Planned by the Women’s March Youth EMPOWER group, it will begin at 10 a.m. and last 17 minutes, one minute for each victim of the Parkland shooting.
“We support our students having a voice and to express themselves but we want them to be safe,” he said. Zelich said he wants open communication so the students can have a safe walkout.
Capital improvements may also be in the district’s future. The board has directed Zelich to look into a $1 million bond issue for improvements including lighting, exterior door, and paving the entrance road and parking lots.