During a recent school board meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding school safety and the presence of police at Upper Darby High School. Melissa Baldwin, a parent of two students in the district, shared her experiences with the school's security measures, particularly during a recent lockdown. Baldwin recounted a distressing incident where her daughter, a senior, was left uninformed during a lockdown situation, leading to confusion and panic among students. She highlighted the alarming trend of misinformation spreading among students, with her daughter receiving exaggerated reports about the presence of firearms in the school.

Baldwin emphasized the broader context of gun violence in schools, citing that since the Columbine tragedy in 1999, over 383,000 students have experienced gun violence in educational settings across the United States. This statistic underscored her call for improved communication and safety protocols within the school district.

Timothy Campbell Junior, a former employee and current student, also addressed the board, advocating for enhanced security measures. He introduced the concept of ZeroEyes, a weapons detection AI technology, as a proactive solution to school safety. Campbell urged the board to explore various security options beyond traditional metal detectors, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure student safety.

The discussions highlighted a growing concern among parents and students regarding school safety protocols and the effectiveness of current measures. Community members are calling for immediate action and a thorough evaluation of security strategies to protect students and foster a safe learning environment.