Superintendent: external lockdown was precautionary; district submits $2.3M PennDOT TASA grant for safety improvements

Dr. Souplant, superintendent of the Wyoming Valley West School District, told the board the district initiated an external lockdown earlier in the day as a precaution while law enforcement investigated an incident in the surrounding community. "There was no direct threat made towards any Wyoming Valley West school or student," Souplant said, adding the measures were taken out of an abundance of caution and that staff and students "responded calmly and appropriately, following all established safety procedures."

Souplant used his report to urge state leaders to pass a budget, warning that continued delays place added strain on schools and district operations. "The longer this process is delayed, the more strain it places on our schools, our students, and our community as a whole," he said.

The superintendent also announced that district staff submitted a $2,300,000 PennDOT TASA (Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside) grant application to fund pedestrian-safety projects, including new crosswalks and flashing lights in heavily populated areas near district facilities. If awarded, the grant would require coordination with PennDOT and local agencies for design and installation.

Souplant congratulated district athletic teams on postseason success and promoted a community event: Representative Brenda Pugh will host a presentation on grooming and exploitation at Wyoming Valley West Middle School on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m., the superintendent said; the flyer is available on the district website and Facebook page.

The superintendent framed the announcements as part of the district's focus on safety and stability for students, while noting the fiscal uncertainty created by the state budget impasse.