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Security measures prompt debate at Penfield school board candidate forum
Summary
Candidates disagreed over recent security steps — including metal detectors, guarded board meetings and an armed security guard — with some calling the measures reactive and costly and others saying they may be necessary short-term.
Security and emergency preparedness became a major topic at the Penfield Central School District candidate forum, with candidates sharply divided over recent measures such as metal detectors, contracted guards and an armed security guard at some events.
"To get into this room, I had to go through a metal detector... one of them is carrying a gun," James Ashby, a candidate, said, describing the security procedures at a recent board meeting and criticizing the approach as costly and overly focused on the boardroom rather than extracurricular settings. He urged working with local law enforcement and cited a prior credible threat response involving the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.
Scott Wilson, a candidate and family physician, said he is "not super excited" about an armed guard but acknowledged the step "may be necessary in the short term" based on recent events. Several candidates expressed concern that security needs extend beyond board meetings to after-school events and athletic contests, where coverage is less consistent.
Susan Gilbert Collins said the district acted quickly and that the new safety and security coordinator appears
