North Allegheny outlines safety measures
Parkland. The campuses will be closed from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. to provide a “safe space” for the walkout, Mr. Scherrer said.
School administrators and their partners from law enforcement and the private sector presented an information meeting Monday on security measures, training and student assistance. Approximately 400 people attended the session at Marshall Middle School, and others could watch the presentation online.
“I hope when you walk away this evening, you will have a better sense of how seriously NA takes safety and security,” Mr. Scherrer said.
The district also changed the locks on interior doors so they can be locked from the inside; installed cameras in all buildings and buses that are linked to the police; and implemented active crisis teams in each building.
Two training programs were started for staff: “Stop the Bleed” through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Active Shooter Survival Escape and Response Tactics (ASSERT) with McCandlessbased INPAX.
Sam Rosenberg, chief executive officer in INPAX and a former Marine, said he began working with teachers in 2004. Although the first responders will arrive quickly, it is important for the teachers to know how to defend themselves and their students, he said.
“It’s important to have a lifeguard, but it is better to know how to swim,” he said. “Teachers, not the professional lifeguards, are going to be the first responders.”
David Christopher, assistant superintendent for K-12 education, said a school climate survey showed that “there is room for improvement” on meeting students’ emotional needs, particularly at the middle school. He added that the district is considering starting an advisory program at the three middle schools.
How the district helps students who are struggling with emotional issues was addressed by Bryan Kiggins, chair of the counseling department, school psychologist Matt Mascari, and Doug Brinkley, head of the student assistance program at the intermediate high school.
Mr. Scherrer ended the program by asking parents for their help, noting that the district has an anonymous hotline for tips.
“We do need your support. If you see something, say something. Please make sure that is something you share with your students when you go home,” he said. “And if you do have weapons in your home, we ask that you keep them locked up in a safe place.”
The information session had been requested by parents at the Feb. 21 board meeting.
Residents continued to ask for more safety measures during the school board’s Feb. 28 meeting, but the speakers disagreed on the measures that needed to be taken.
For example, Karen Rusnica reiterated her comments from the previous week about having metal detectors and resource officers in each school building. Resource officers could educate students about the dangers of drugs, drinking and driving and bullying, she said.
But Melinda Wedde called both options “an expensive Band-Aid.”
“Students with ADHD, autism [and] minority students are at more risk with resource officers,” said Ms. Wedde, who has taught in an alternative school.
Both Ms. Wedde and Katie Leslie suggested that the district look at programs provided by Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit started after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn, in December 2012.
Sandy Hook Promise offers programs for both elementary and high school students to help them with stress and wellness.
Monday’s presentation will be available on the district website. Residents also can submit questions that will be answered in a “frequently asked questions” area of the safety section.