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Ambridge parents press board over middle-school security after student brought a gun; board to evaluate baggage scanners and other measures
Summary
Parents criticized the district’s communication and screening protocol after a middle-school student brought a gun; the board approved an evaluation of a baggage-scanner system for the middle school, described continued use of Evolv systems funded by a Stronger Connections grant, and said investigations limit what officials can disclose.
Community members pressed the Ambridge Area School District board on its response to a recent middle-school security breach during public comment, urging clearer communication, faster action and accountability from district leaders.
Parents at the meeting described fear among students and families and raised specific questions about new screening protocols, who will staff and train any new equipment and whether grant funds will pay for them. Joshua Gill, a resident of Farm Lane, asked why the proposed baggage-scanner evaluation focuses on the middle school "only" and who will operate and train staff to use it. "We need to be proactive, not reactive," Gill said.
Other speakers made sharper appeals. Stephanie (last name not provided) called for Superintendent Dr. Joseph Pasquerella’s resignation, saying the district had "no faith left" in his leadership and recounting cuts to staff and transportation problems she tied to broader failures. Several parents recounted the emotional toll of recent gun violence; Dorothy Troutman described family trauma and said the incident was "very personal to all of us." Eric Couch, a parent, told the board, "I'm sorry, but we've been dealing with school shootings for a long time," and said the district "failed" students the day the weapon reached campus.
Board members and administrators framed the meeting’s vote on the agenda item as an exploratory step. The board amended a buildings-and-grounds item to authorize an evaluation of a proposed baggage-scanner system at the middle school rather than an immediate purchase. A solicitor or administrator said the evaluation will analyze state contracting, procurement and operational questions and is "an exploratory item," not a final decision.
On policies such as clear backpacks and screening protocols, administrators said small purses remain allowed but will be scanned and that building staff are encouraging students to bring only necessities. The district said school resource officers are present for morning screening protocols at the middle and high schools and that substitutes are used when an assigned SRO is unavailable.
Officials also described how the district used a federal Stronger Connections grant awarded in March 2024. The district said it has deployed Evolv weapons-detection systems and allocated some grant funds to additional mental-health supports and counseling; officials said they will continue to monitor remaining grant line items as they finalize expenditures.
Board members repeatedly said they could not disclose details about ongoing investigations or personnel matters because of safety and privacy rules. A board member who identified themselves as a parent urged the public to understand the limits on what can be shared while the police-led investigation continues.
The board closed public comment after extensive remarks and voted to adjourn into executive session, stating it would not return to open session.
The immediate procedural outcome was a motion to evaluate baggage-scanner options for the middle school and to continue consulting law enforcement and vendors; no final purchase or operational timeline was approved at the meeting.
