Chambersburg students want metal detectors, more police & drills

(Chambersburg) – Students in the Chambersburg Area have some thoughts about how administrators can help keep them safe at school. 

Late last month, those in grades six through 12 participated in classroom discussions about school safety. Students and teachers were given the opportunity to share their thoughts and to provide suggestions on what could be done to improve security.  

A majority indicated they feel safe at school, according to a letter to parents from Superintendent Joe Padasak, adding that students also shared they feel especially safe with their teachers in classrooms. 

Despite this, some voiced safety concerns about large gatherings, such as arrivals, dismissals and lunch, along with others who said they feel the adults do not listen to them and want to be taken more seriously. 

Recommendations were also made to the administration, including: 

• Increasing police within the buildings, and adding more staff supervision to large gatherings
• Increasing random locker searches and backpack inspections
• Providing more frequent drills to prepare for an active shooter event
• Using identification cards to enter buildings
• Increasing security measure for guests
• Using metal detectors 

In addition, the superintendent reminded parents of some of the security measures Chambersburg implemented, which include: 

• An additional security guard to help with security at both the middle schools. 
• Not permitting students to use their backpacks during the school day. 
• Promoting the “see something, say something” message to encourage students to contact staff or parents if they have concerns. 
• Continuing to upgrade schools’ entrance vestibules to ensure that points of entry are secured and locked throughout the day. 
• Aiming to provide at least one staff member per student who can make the school a safe and welcoming place to be heard. 

“Students must feel comfortable talking to staff, not only about potential threats, but also for their own mental health and development,” Padasak said. 

Assistant Superintendent Cathy Dusman also received some feedback during the high school’s discussion during the National School Walkout on Wednesday, March 14. She said she received some “excellent feedback” which has been shared with the administration. 

Events were also held at the two middle schools and the magnet school, in which students participated in peaceful gatherings and a moment of silence, voiced their concerns regarding violence in schools, and stood in solidarity with their peers across the country. Padasak said all of the district’s planned events occurred with no major incidents. 

“We commend our students for thoughtfully and safely expressing themselves in our district-sponsored events,” he added. 

This story comes to us through a partnership between WITF and The Chambersburg Public Opinion.