Penfield schools outline security steps after Sept. 18 threat; district will add security workers, not SROs

Penfield Central School District Superintendent Dr. Potter said Tuesday the district took immediate steps after a Sept. 18 student-related threat and has strengthened school security through partnerships with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and a contracted firm, Blackhawk Security and Investigations.

In a superintendent's report to the Board of Education, Potter said the New York State Police led the investigation and that the district relied on information provided by the state police investigator. "At no point did the district take the threat lightly," Potter said, adding that the district cannot disclose student-identifying details because of student privacy laws.

The district described layered security measures already in place and further steps it is taking. Ted Wilson, the district's safety and security coordinator, said access to buildings is routed through one main entrance and that visitor screening requires a New York State'issued ID run through an ID verification system. Wilson described an emergency app the district uses, known as the TAP app, which sends lockdown notifications to county sheriff command vehicles and allows staff-to-staff text communications that are also visible to responding deputies.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office Captain…