Mo Valley resolves three school security incidents – GantNews.com

HOUTZDALE – Emotions ran high at a special meeting of the Moshannon Valley Area School District Tuesday night as parents and students expressed concerns following three incidents related to safety at the school.

The panel that heard the concerns included members of the school board, the district attorney, the director of juvenile probation, two Pennsylvania State Police officers, the district attorney, the superintendent and a school safety officer.

Superintendent John Zesiger began with an overview of recent events.

He said Tuesday's incident involved a conversation about a weapon and it was determined that a student was not carrying a firearm, but rather a cutting tool. State police were then notified.

Other incidents included the possible sighting of a gun at Friday night's football game and the threat of a gun at Saturday's homecoming dance.

He said they had a soft lockdown where students stayed in their seats with adults and were let out early Tuesday. PSP and a K-9 unit have been searching the building and there will be additional security measures in place starting Wednesday.

Zesiger also said there have been changes to some procedures, such as bag searches, storing sports equipment in locked rooms and using portable metal detectors.

In addition, 845 large, transparent, durable backpacks were ordered for students.

He explained that he understands that everyone wants as much information as possible, but that the county has a responsibility to protect certain information and must approve, through the PSP and the District Attorney, what it makes available to the public.

Sergeant Robert Straw, PSP commander, added that his soldiers responded to the call and a youth was taken into custody and charged on Tuesday.

District Attorney Ryan Sayers said everyone agrees that the safety of all schools is the highest priority.

Sayers pointed out that a big problem is social media, where people spread rumors that make the situation worse.

It was emphasized that only the information provided by the school district, the prosecutor's office and the PSP should be considered factual.

“This has to stop,” Sayers said of the incidents, pointing out that there are problems in other school districts as well.

He added that parents could be held both civilly and criminally liable. “They are responsible.”

Sayers explained to the students that this was no joke and that if they were arrested, they would be separated from their families and friends and placed in an internment camp where they would be alone.

“We take this incredibly seriously,” he said.

The floor was then opened to the public for comments and questions. Many of the comments were about the need for metal detectors at the school, and the school administration agreed.

Zesiger said one problem they need to solve is that additional staff is needed to use the metal detectors.

A mother spoke about her daughter seeing the gun on Friday and the misunderstandings she had from the district.

After some back and forth, it turned out that the weapon was actually a toy gun that looked real, so even though it was a plastic gun, there was credible evidence of the incident.

Another issue raised by parents and students was bullying both in and outside of school.

District officials said they take action when incidents come to their attention, but many people feel not enough is being done.

Mental health care was also a problem. Zesiger said when he came to the district, there was no such care, but now the resources are available and they are trying to do more.

Some students thanked the school administration for their efforts and pointed out that part of the problem is parents who spread rumors, creating even more fear that they then pass on to their children.

One student stated that parents did not handle the recent incidents like adults.

Students also said they want to come to school, feel safe, and just come to learn.

Some parents made suggestions, such as volunteering to screen students or raising money for metal detectors. Zesiger asked them to contact him to discuss the possibilities.

District officials agreed that more could have been done to better inform families about what was happening and said they would continue to work to improve that.

At the end of the meeting, Zesiger said that they were grateful to everyone who came to the meeting.

He showed devices the district has purchased for staff that allow employees to push a button and send a message to security and staff when a problem occurs, whether it be safety-related, medical or other.

“Tonight's meeting cannot end the dialogue,” he said, adding that perhaps consideration could be given to holding such meetings on a regular basis.

Board member Zane Hensal added, “I want the same thing you want, and I think we can and will do better.”