In a recent school board meeting, discussions centered on enhancing safety measures within schools, particularly in light of rising concerns over gun violence. Superintendent Dr. McGarry outlined the district's proactive approach, which includes increased mental health support, the installation of more security cameras, and the introduction of a student mentorship program aimed at fostering positive relationships among students.

Dr. McGarry emphasized the importance of human relationships in preventing tragedies, stating, \"It's the human relationships and the trust that exists through all these resources we put into play that keep our schools safe.\" He acknowledged that while the district is not perfect, it remains committed to exploring new safety options, including the potential implementation of weapons detection systems.

The board has tasked Dr. McGarry with further investigating these systems, specifically a technology from Evolve, which utilizes an open gate scanning method to detect concealed weapons without the need for individuals to remove their belongings. This system has been successfully implemented in other schools, including Reading High School, where initial challenges with processing time have improved significantly.

The superintendent noted that community feedback on these safety measures has been mixed, with some parents expressing support for the systems while others remain skeptical. A more detailed discussion on the costs and logistics of implementing the weapons detection system is scheduled for the upcoming committee meeting in September.

In addition to safety discussions, the meeting also covered updates on various educational policies, including revisions to student discipline and restorative practices, as well as updates to policies regarding weapons and terroristic threats. These changes are part of the district's ongoing efforts to align with new state regulations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment while actively engaging with the community to address safety concerns. Further discussions and decisions regarding the proposed safety measures are anticipated in the coming months.