Top Stories

Local district implementing security changes after Florida school shooting

MCKEESPORT, Pa. — The McKeesport Area School District is ramping up security from the high school down to the elementary school level, adding metal detectors and new cameras that can track license plates.

Parents will receive a letter in the mail, alerting them to the new security measures to protect students, faculty and visitors.

"If there were a crisis, are we prepared? Do we have measures to secure classroom doors? Are teachers trained?" said Dr. Mark Holtzman, McKeesport Area School District superintendent.

Those were the thoughts that ran through his head right after last month's mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 students and faculty members, he said.

RELATED HEADLINES:

He wasted no time jumping into action and calling on community leaders.

"Have a conversation about what it is that we're currently doing. What could we maybe be doing a little differently?" Holtzman said.

Beginning next week, existing safety measures will be updated.

That includes video surveillance, security personnel and metal detectors.

When students get to school, they will check in with a security guard and then walk through the front doors.

They'll then go through a metal detector that has been in place at the middle and high school level for almost 20 years.

TRENDING NOW:

But in just one week, elementary school students will be walking through metal detectors too.

New safety measures across the district will also include locking devices for classroom doors, cameras and training for staff and students.

Most of the changes will be in place by March 27.

On that day, there will be a lockdown drill to make sure the plans run smoothly.

 

Cox Media Group

Most Read