McKEES ROCKS, Pa. — Sto-Rox School District has changed its plan to form a police force. Instead, it will have security guards to keep kids safe this school year.
During the first day of school Wednesday at Sto-Rox, there was a new security presence in the high school hallways.
The district has partnered with local private security company, Commission LLC.
“They have the staff that we need to best support our goals of keeping students and staff safe,” said Megan Vanfossan, Sto-Rox superintendent.
Before, the district was planning on creating its own police department. In the past, the district used a different security company.
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The superintendent said the new security guards are trained and were already familiar with the facilities. Right now, security is in full force at all three school buildings.
“They are here before school starts. They are here throughout the day. They are even here when we have events on weekends and evenings,” said Vanfossan.
She said most of the buildings have multiple security guards and at least one is armed.
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In the past two weeks, McKees Rocks police said they confiscated guns from two teenagers in the community who were former Sto-Rox students.
Last November, 12th grade student Hasson Shackelford was shot and killed as he walked home, not far from Sto-Rox High School. A 15-year-old was later charged.
The superintendent said the No. 1 priority is to protect students and staff.
“We want parents to know that’s the absolute priority and we feel we have accomplished that goal,” said Vanfossan.
In addition to having security guards, the district continues to maintain close ties with local police departments.
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