Board approves immediate security contract for district office after 5–4 vote

The Harrisburg City School District Committee of the Whole approved an immediate contract on Nov. 18 with St. Moritz Security Services to provide armed or unarmed security officers at the district office, with the exhibit attached to the contract specifying one armed officer per shift at the district office.

The motion was moved by Miss Robinson and seconded by Miss Anderson. During the discussion, board members asked whether the contract includes officers at schools, how many officers would be scheduled, and whether families would be notified if armed officers were present. Administration clarified the contract covers only the district office and said it would send communication to the community the following day to notify people that an armed guard will be at the district office. "This is just here at the DISH office. It's not going to any school," administration said.

Board members expressed differing views. Mister Carter sought more detail about the subcontracted armed-guard services. Miss Robinson said the district needs broader security for buildings but acknowledged the current contract is limited to the administrative office. Concerns were also raised about parental notification; administration said it would notify the community.

Roll call was taken and the motion passed by a recorded vote of 5 yes and 4 no. The minutes record the tally as 5 yes, 4 no and 0 abstain; the contract was moved forward as an immediate action and will be implemented at the district office.

The board indicated it may continue discussion about broader security at schools in future meetings and administrators offered to return with more detailed information about the vendor’s services and scope.