Latest news with #ShalerAreaSchoolDistrict
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
Shaler Area School District to install weapon detection system at middle school, high school
Security changes are coming to two buildings in the Shaler Area School District two and a half months after a 16-year-old student brought a gun onto a bus. A video showed the high school student with a gun - cocking it and pointing it - sending shockwaves through the community. Shortly after, the district started looking into security measures at the school and the possibility of adding metal detectors. Now, they're moving forward with it. On Thursday, the school board voted to approve the administration's recommendation to implement a new weapons detection system at Shaler Area Middle School and Shaler Area High School beginning next school year. 'This decision reflects our district's ongoing commitment to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors,' the district said in a statement. The district said that the OpenGate Weapons Detection System is unlike traditional metal detectors, allowing for rapid and contactless screening. 'The district will work closely with school administrators, staff, and families to prepare for the system's implementation, including staff training, communication with students and families, and pilot testing of the equipment prior to full deployment in August 2025,' the district said the statement. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Yahoo
Shaler parents push for security changes after student brings gun onto bus
It's been almost two weeks since a video showing a Shaler Area High School student with a gun - cocking it and pointing it - sent shockwaves through the community. 'Definitely scared,' said parent Kati Maas-Crawford. 'I didn't know if it was morning or after school. If it was after school then that means it was with him all day in the school, which is even more concerning.' RELATED COVERAGE >>> Student brought semi-automatic gun onto Shaler Area School District bus, police say Millvale Police Chief Tim Komoroski told Channel 11′s Antoinette DelBel they're still investigating if the 16-year-old student brought the gun inside the high school and who owns it. Since then, school administrators have been meeting with concerned parents and taking another look at security measures in the schools. 'We've been listening,' said Superintendent Dr. Bryan O'Black. 'I want you to know we feel and understand the depth of the fears, frustrations and concerns that have emerged as a result of this incident.' During a school board meeting Wednesday night, parents faced school leaders for the first time since police arrested the student. Some parents spoke out about the need for metal detectors at the high school. 'I know the school district cannot control what happens outside its doors, but it can control what comes through the doors,' Maas-Crawford said. Parent Jennifer White started a petition pushing for safety changes. 'We want to know that something is going to be done,' White said. Superintendent O'Black said they've been looking into adding metal detectors. 'We want to take a careful and informed approach in considering these options and their potential impact on our school environment,' he said. 'We've already begun visiting school districts in our region that have implemented metal detections or weapons detection systems.' Maas-Crawford is a Shaler parent who teaches at another school district. She's familiar with school threats and is hopeful some kind of action is taken soon. 'Thank you for all the teachers that are keeping everyone safe, but we got to step it up a little bit,' Maas-Crawford said. The teen accused of having the gun has been charged and is scheduled for a hearing sometime next week. Police Chief Komoroski said the gun does not belong to his parents and they aren't facing any charges at this time. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
