District explores weapons detection system following safety concerns and proactive measures
May 31, 2025 | Upper Darby SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Upper Darby School District held a significant board meeting on May 31, 2025, focusing on safety measures and educational updates. The meeting began with a report from Superintendent Dr. McGarry, who revisited discussions from previous meetings regarding school safety and security enhancements. He highlighted the implementation of mental health supports, increased surveillance through cameras, and the introduction of a student mentorship program aimed at fostering positive relationships among students.
Dr. McGarry emphasized the importance of proactive measures in maintaining a safe school environment, acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by gun violence in the country. He reported that the board had tasked him with exploring weapons detection systems, specifically a system from the company Evolve, which utilizes an open gate scanning technology to detect potential weapons without the need for traditional metal detectors. This system has been successfully implemented in other schools, including Reading High School, where it has improved efficiency in student entry times.
The superintendent noted that the upcoming September committee meeting would provide a more detailed presentation on the costs, logistics, and community feedback regarding the proposed weapons detection system. He assured attendees that the administration is committed to transparency and will engage with the public to address concerns and gather input.
Following Dr. McGarry's report, Director Bridal Williams provided an update on the Education and People Services Committee meeting held on August 27, 2024. This meeting included discussions on literacy programs and the Pennsylvania Youth Survey, which assessed social and emotional learning supports for students.
The board also reviewed several policy updates, including those related to trauma-informed approaches and student discipline, which are in line with recent legislative changes. The meeting concluded with a series of votes on personnel and policy reports, all of which passed without opposition.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's ongoing commitment to enhancing student safety and well-being while fostering an inclusive educational environment. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, ensuring community involvement in decision-making processes.
Dr. McGarry emphasized the importance of proactive measures in maintaining a safe school environment, acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by gun violence in the country. He reported that the board had tasked him with exploring weapons detection systems, specifically a system from the company Evolve, which utilizes an open gate scanning technology to detect potential weapons without the need for traditional metal detectors. This system has been successfully implemented in other schools, including Reading High School, where it has improved efficiency in student entry times.
The superintendent noted that the upcoming September committee meeting would provide a more detailed presentation on the costs, logistics, and community feedback regarding the proposed weapons detection system. He assured attendees that the administration is committed to transparency and will engage with the public to address concerns and gather input.
Following Dr. McGarry's report, Director Bridal Williams provided an update on the Education and People Services Committee meeting held on August 27, 2024. This meeting included discussions on literacy programs and the Pennsylvania Youth Survey, which assessed social and emotional learning supports for students.
The board also reviewed several policy updates, including those related to trauma-informed approaches and student discipline, which are in line with recent legislative changes. The meeting concluded with a series of votes on personnel and policy reports, all of which passed without opposition.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's ongoing commitment to enhancing student safety and well-being while fostering an inclusive educational environment. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, ensuring community involvement in decision-making processes.
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