Tamaqua SD begins metal detector use

Tamaqua Area students returning to classes after the Thanksgiving break were met with random metal detector searches on Tuesday morning. The searches were conducted by staff members after the Tamaqua Area School Board directed administrators to use the detectors last week. The detectors were purchased and used years ago, but were taken out of service.

The metal detectors are one of the safety measures approved by the board earlier this year. The policy also provides for authorizing administrators, teachers or other district staff who undergo special training to carry firearms and use deadly force while performing school duties.

The idea of arming teachers and staff members brought a backlash to the policy, as more than 100 people attended a board meeting on Nov. 7 to protest such action. Instead, they offered numerous alternative safety measures.

The Tamaqua Education Association filed a lawsuit in the Schuylkill County Courts to stop implementation of the policy on Nov. 14, stating “the policy permitting Tamaqua school employees to carry firearms in school violates the Pennsylvania School Code and other laws limiting the use of firearms by public employees.”

As for the searches on Tuesday, some parents complained on social media that the randomness of the searches were ineffective and inefficient.

Contacted Wednesday morning, Tamaqua Area Superintendent Raymond Kinder said, “We’ve begun implementing the policy as we said we would do.

“We will continue to monitor the process for effectiveness and efficiency.”