W. Penn releases funds to Tamaqua district for security measures

West Penn Township has agreed to release the money it previously offered Tamaqua Area School District for security purposes at one of its elementary buildings.

On a unanimous vote, supervisors on Monday agreed to release $16,000 to the district after the township received a letter from the district asking the township to do so.

The district is ready to start implementing more security systems and infrastructure, specifically for West Penn Elementary School to do upgrades to their security.

West Penn agreed, with township police Chief Brian Johnson’s approval of the upgrades.

Initially, the district was going to install an active shooter detection system, but they have been doing research, only to learn that may not be their best option.

The decision by supervisors to release the funds came after they said last month they wouldn’t be donating money to the district this time around.

Supervisors last year agreed to donate $16,000 to the district to be used for security measures at West Penn Elementary.

Board Chairman Tony Prudenti said that was done for the “safety of our children,” adding that the majority of students who go to West Penn Elementary are township residents.

Supervisor Tim Houser said at that time it gave the ability for the police department to be even more involved, and that $16,000 to protect the students is money well-spent.

Prudenti noted that last year was a great year for the township, and as a result, they were able to offer it up, but that this year, they wouldn’t be able to.

Larry Wittig, president of Tamaqua Area School Board, said at last month’s meeting that the district is currently engaged in a feasibility study, and that it felt the more prudent way to spend money was to secure the entryway.

Wittig said that an early detection system was very expensive, and according to the experts, it’s less effective than other means.

Wittig added that the district wants a more sustainable result, and is looking for permanent solutions since the patrol issue may disappear down the road.

Prudenti attended the school board’s Nov. 20 meeting, at which time he offered a $16,000 donation to the district on behalf of the board of supervisors to be used for security at the school.

He also asked permission for the township’s police force to increase patrols of the school grounds.

That came after supervisors agreed at their Nov. 19 budget workshop to put that amount in as a line item for this year’s budget.

Prudenti said that action was in response to a policy permitting Tamaqua Area School District employees to carry firearms in school.

He suggested a first responder system, but noted it was all predicated on the school board allowing it.

Prudenti said the first-alert type system alerts police and all the teachers in the building, and tells police exactly where a gunshot occurs in the building.

In addition, Prudenti said that while there is currently a police presence at the school, he would like to see even more of a police presence there.