Clarks Summit council delays final decision on part‑time police presence at nonpublic school, solicitor flags court and DA steps

Council members on Nov. 5 discussed a request from parents of students at a local nonpublic (parochial) school for police presence during school hours. Parents had offered to fund a part‑time officer at the school; council members and police told the meeting they would not finalize an agreement until legal compliance and staffing details are resolved.

Police Chief Yarns told council that the school and parents sought some form of law‑enforcement presence and were willing to accept part‑time coverage initially. The chief said officers with appropriate certifications had applied and that part‑time candidates could be considered while staffing is finalized. Chief Yarns described a “piecemeal” approach — starting with limited shifts and adjusting as needed — to avoid compromising the department’s other shift…