Rep.: Schools need metal detectors Local districts say funds should come with lawmaker’s proposal

A lawmaker from Monroe County believes that mandatory metal detectors and armed security guards in schools could be the key to preventing mass shootings like the one that took place at a school in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14.

State Rep. Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe, announced she is introducing a bill that would require schools to establish a primary entrance equipped with a metal detector, as well as an armed guard during all school and after-school activities.

“Our students deserve to have an educational environment that is safe from harm where they can focus on learning. No parent should worry about their child’s safety when they send them to school. The time is now for us to take proactive action,” Brown said in a news release announcing the bill on Tuesday.

Brown said the goal is to mimic the security measures that are in effect when a person enters a federal building.

Some schools already use armed guards and metal detectors, but they are not mandatory. Brown’s district includes parts of Pleasant Valley School District, which already has guards and metal detectors in place.

Weatherly Area School District Superintendent Terry Young said she agrees that school safety should be improved, but the state needs to provide funding for those improvements. She said school safety has been a priority since she started last year, but without support from the state, local taxpayers are footing the bill.

“My hope is that any new legislation that is introduced that will be mandated is backed with the funds needed to make it happen,” she said.

Panther Valley School District Superintendent Dennis Kergick said he’s pleased to see a legislator taking the school security issue seriously. He said despite his personal concerns, he’s aware that having a trained professional who is armed may be necessary.

“Unfortunately this is the world that we live in. There are a large number of events to cover in any school district, so after-school coverage coupled with daily responsibilities may be difficult to cover,” he said.

Kergick said he also would like to see an emphasis on supporting students and adults with mental health issues.

Northern Lehigh Superintendent Matthew Link said he also believes that emotional support is important, making all students feel like they have a connection to the community, and that there are trusted adults available if they want to share concerns.

Northern Lehigh has a full-time school police officer. The position was originally funded through a grant, but the district has taken over funding the position.

“It is not in our budget to fund a fully trained armed security guard or SPO at each district building during school hours and activities at night,” he said.