Moon Area ban on use of school grounds rapped

Moon Area School District’s decision to close its buildings and grounds to the public during school hours has been met with opposition from some residents, including a group of senior citizens and a state trooper who regularly use the high school track for exercise.

While those addressing the school board Monday said they agreed with taking steps to keep students safe, they questioned why the district couldn’t allow some public use during school hours. Others, however, agreed there was no need to allow outsiders use of the track alongside physical education students.

The district implemented the temporary ban at the start of this school year, and after hearing public comment, the school board will consider whether to make the new rule permanent and whether to make any changes to it. A vote is expected Sept. 26.

In May a motorist followed a parent into the high school parking lot and pointed a gun at her, prompting a lockdown of the high school and nearby middle school campuses. The man was later arrested.

Opponents of the new rule said after-school sporting events and practices preclude use by residents at those times and the track is often locked on weekends. Officials said any weekend closure was an oversight.

Rose Mary Fazio of Crescent suggested the district require those who want to use school facilities to wear badges and undergo security clearances. She said she represented a group of women who regularly walk on the track and her group would be willing to pay for the background checks.

Director James Bogatay said having someone serve as a monitor under such a system would cost the district $17,000 to $25,000 annually.

State Trooper Mario Schiavo said statistics show a majority of school shootings are committed by students, not outsiders. Trooper Schiavo, who has used the track regularly, stressed he was not speaking as a representative of the police but as a resident.

“People and residents are not the problem,” he told the board.