Parent urges metal detectors at main entrances; superintendent says district follows a layered safety plan

A Washington Township parent urged the Kiski Area SD board to make the metal detector used at some athletic events a daily fixture at the main student entrance, saying students spend long hours in school and parents worry about shootings.

"I'm Antoinette Pantina Drew. I'm from Washington Township... We were just curious if there are intentions on getting that metal detector, that 1, another 1 in front of the main doors where the students enter," Drew said during the non‑agenda public comment period.

The superintendent responded later during directors' comments, saying the board had met in executive session about safety and explaining the district's priorities. "Safety is a is a layered approach," the superintendent said, and added that the district had undertaken a risk and vulnerability assessment with the Pennsylvania State Police. He told the meeting that the assessment's recommendations had been used to sequence safety measures and that weapons detection "was not in that recommendation," though he acknowledged weapons detection can be an "another layer of security."

The superintendent also told the board and community that some aspects of safety planning cannot be shared publicly because they would reveal vulnerabilities.

Board members said they want to do a better job communicating broad safety directions to parents and taxpayers; a trustee urged formation of committees to provide oversight and to examine budget implications before expanding new programs or equipment purchases.

The board did not adopt a specific motion to add daily metal‑detector coverage during the meeting; the superintendent and trustees said they would continue to work on safety priorities and communication.

The meeting concluded with directors' comments and an adjournment.