Parent urges metal detectors after March 6 weapons incident; district pledges follow-up

A Cuyahoga Falls parent told the board on March 18 that she appreciated staff, school resource officers and the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department for their response to a March 6 incident involving a loaded weapon, but urged the district to adopt proactive measures — including metal detectors at entrances — to prevent future incidents.

Britney Lee Smith identified herself as a district parent and said students acted bravely during the March 6 response. "We shouldn't be relying on the bravery of our children in the presence of a loaded gun," she said, asking two specific questions: what physical measures are being implemented to stop anyone from bringing a concealed, loaded weapon into school buildings, and why the district has not implemented metal detectors yet. She said Ohio has grants to assist districts in adding school security measures and offered to share supporting studies.

Board members thanked Smith for attending and said the superintendent would follow up. During the meeting, trustees emphasized appreciation for the response by staff and first responders. District officials did not announce a districtwide decision on metal detectors at the meeting.

Ending: The superintendent's office said it would reach out to the parent to discuss security measures and grants; no formal district action on metal detectors was taken at the March 18 session.