CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) – With school violence a hot topic around the nation, student safety and security are a constant concern for local administrators.

ExploreClarion.com spoke to local administrators from around the county about what schools are doing to keep students safe in these uncertain times.

Every Clarion County administrator interviewed said that safety is and always has been a top priority in our local schools.

David McDivitt, Superintendent of A.C. Valley, told exploreClarion.com, “We all talk about it; we all worry about it. The safety of our students and our staff is always a topic of discussion, and we are constantly working on improvements to insure safety.”

All of our area schools regularly pursue Safe Schools Grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. These targeted grants offer resources for equipment and programs or school security or resource officers. Most recently, Clarion-Limestone Area School District and North Clarion County School District each received Safe Schools Equipment/Program Grants for the 2016-2017 school year.

Clarion-Limestone also received an Equipment Grant for the 2015-2016 school year, and A.C. Valley, Clarion, North Clarion, and Union all received Safe Schools Initiative Targeted Grants for the 2014-15 school year. These grants have been used to provide everything from upgraded security cameras at Union to A.C. Valley’s Barracuda door barricade devices which can be installed in a matter of seconds in emergency situations.

Though the Safe Schools program also offers grants to help school hire security or resource officers, those grants are only available to help the school for the first year they hire an officer, then the school must find another way to absorb the cost.

The presence of an officer on school grounds can be more than just a deterrent, as well. According to Superintendent Amy Glasl, of Clarion-Limestone School District, “Coming into the school, even just seeing the vehicle is a comfort to everybody.”

Full-time security or resource officers may not be a common sight in rural schools, but many people would probably be surprised how often you find local and even state police in our schools. Almost every district we spoke to has officers from one department or another making regular walk-throughs, either by formal agreement or just as a courtesy to check in on our youth in school.

“We’re very lucky to have the Marienville State Police. They’re very visible during the day and at evening events, and it’s nice to have that support from them. They’re at dances and games, and they do regular walk-throughs. It’s a nice climate they create. A lot of them grew up in the area, and they know the kids and say hello to kids. It’s just a really nice level of support they give the district, and we appreciate it,” stated Steve Young, Superintendent of North Clarion County School District.

All of the local schools have regular drills, keep all entrances and exits locked during school hours, and require some kind of check-in for guests entering the buildings. Most local schools are equipped with multiple security cameras both at the entrances and throughout and around the outside of the buildings.

Keystone School District also utilizes a special computer system to log information about guests at the school. It records when a guest arrives and prints a special authorized sticker that shows where the guest is to be on the campus.

North Clarion utilizes an electronic entry system; their teachers have swipe cards to enter the buildings. If a card is lost, the district can immediately disable it and issue a new one.

Union School District recently implemented a MERP (Mobile Emergency Response Plan), which is a web-based platform that allows the district to access, customize, and revise their emergency response plans. Prior to this year, Union still used a paper system for their crisis plan, but the MERP gives access to more of the staff, at different privilege levels. It can be downloaded on computers, phones, and other devices.

“With this system, our staff members can go into the system to activate it and indicate to everyone what kind of emergency is occurring. Prior to this, we would have used our PA system, but what if a situation is occurring in the office? What if you can’t get to the PA system? This allows staff to quickly communicate an emergency situation, and the action steps are right there in the software, as well. Instead of having to look for your manual in your desk, it is accessible anywhere, at any time. It’s completely mobile,” explained Jean McCleary, Union Superintendent.

Even with all of these precautions, local administrators understand that people are concerned, but most of the administrators haven’t seen a large increase in concern locally.

“I think that people know and recognize that safety is our number one priority — that we make it a priority. I’d like to think, for the most part, parents have some degree of trust in us. I also recognize, with respect to Emergency Operations, because we don’t provide certain details, well, there are constructive conversations that occur from time to time. But, people that I encounter make it a point to say they’re appreciative of our efforts,” said Shawn Algoe, Superintendent of Keystone School District.

In our interviews with local administrators, we also asked how they felt about allowing teachers to carry firearms. Though this is an often contentious topic, several administrators were willing to weigh in.

Michael Stahlman, Superintendent of Clarion Area School District, stated, “As a former Safe Schools Trainer, I’m concerned that we’d be bringing guns into the building that could be taken from a teacher if they were attacked. I have mixed emotions on it.”

In the same tone, Keystone’s Algoe related, “I need more time to digest what I’m seeing…the more you read, the more you see you need to take into consideration. I need more information, and to better understand what that would look like in Pennsylvania,”

Union’s Jean McCleary said, “I have concerns. I know there is a movement to change laws to allow it, with stipulations like tactical training. I can’t say I’d be completely opposed, but I’d want to know more about the stipulations and details of it. Our staff is trained to educate, not to learn tactical maneuvers. But, I can’t say I’d be opposed; I’m open minded…I’m a gun owner, with a permit, myself.”

In the end, many administrators agree that it is people who really make the difference.

“Our students and faculty are just wonderful. Everyone looks out for everyone. There has never been a time I’ve talked to a student where they’re afraid to report concerns. It’s always more of a, ‘wow, thanks for caring,’ reaction. And, our teachers have great relationships with their students,” Glasl said.

McCleary gave us a good example of a reported concern that turned out to be entirely innocent, “Last Friday, there was a social media post, an ambiguous post, that a student received indicating there would be ‘an event’ at lunchtime, and we weren’t sure what it could be. A parent read it and was a bit concerned. They brought it to the administration, we contacted the police as a precaution, and the principal interviewed the student. We concluded…the student was doing a prom proposal. He apologized and was embarrassed. He had no intention of causing alarm.”

Though many concerns turn out to be simple misunderstandings, administrators would always prefer to err on the side of caution.

Algoe explained, “Our staff has the expectation of ‘see something, say something.’ We can’t address the things we don’t know about. I think it is important in not only our school community but the community at large.”

Regional School Threats

There have been several threats throughout regional schools recently, including some in Clarion County that have been updated since the original publication of this article.

School administrators and local and state police in Butler, Jefferson, Mercer, Clarion, and Venango Counties have contended with the following threats in their schools:

Butler County: Karns City Area School District Bomb Threat

In Butler County, a student made a bomb threat against Karns City High School on Tuesday, February 20.

Butler-based State Police say the threat was written in the school’s bathroom.

Eric D. Ritzert, Superintendent of Karns City Area School District, issued the following release on their website:

February 20, 2018

Dear Parents and Guardians:

As you are aware, a bomb threat was discovered at the High School today. We immediately notified state police and evacuated the building. State police worked with our school police officers to determine the threat was not credible.

The safety of our students and staff is a priority at Karns City Area School District. The district takes all threats very seriously and will implement all appropriate disciplinary action under our student code of conduct and the Pennsylvania State Law.

If you see or hear any disturbing statement involving our schools or our students, please immediately report it to local law enforcement and the school district.

At Karns City Area School District, we have five school police officers, all of whom are retired state police officers, working in our schools. In addition, we have many other safety measures in place and will continue to strive to improve school safety in our district. If you ever have questions or concerns about school safety, please contact your child’s principal.

Sincerely,

Eric D. Ritzert

Superintendent

Karns City Area School District

On Friday, February 23, Butler-based State Police arrested 18-year-old Garrett Michael DeBacco, of Cowansville.

DeBacco, a junior at Karns City High School, is accused of making the bomb threat against the school.

According to court documents, DeBacco was arraigned at 2:45 p.m. on February 23 in Magisterial District Judge Lewis E. Stoughton on the following charge:

– Bomb Threats — Threatens Placement Of Bomb, Felony 3

Unable to post $50,000.00, he was lodged in the Butler County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, with Judge Stoughton presiding.

Jefferson County: Punxsutawney Area School District Threats

In Jefferson County, the Punxsutawney Area School District had to cope with multiple threats recently.

According to school Superintendent Dr. Thomas Lesniewski, there were four separate threats by four students, two each in the high school and middle school.

“They were not direct threats to anyone specific, but they were all taken very seriously and the students have been punished and the police were contacted,” Dr. Lesniewski told exploreJeffersonPA.com.

“It’s a credit to our student body that they informed their teachers, and we were able to deal with it quickly.”

Lesniewski said one of the threats included writing on the bathroom wall. Three of the threats were bomb-related and another involved the threat of a shooting.

As for discipline, Dr. Lesniewski said punishment could include up to a 10-day suspension and a possible disciplinary hearing. Charges have also been filed against some of the juvenile students involved in the threats.

“Our main goal is to try and help our students, so it’s not all about punishment, but hopefully everyone got the message that this type of behavior isn’t acceptable,” Dr. Lesniewski said.

He also said the school district would soon hold a practice drill for a lockdown situation.

“This is a difficult situation for schools to deal with and it’s not something we’re going to fix tomorrow, but we’ll keep working on it,” Dr. Lesniewski said.

Calls to Punxsutawney Borough Police Department for comment were not immediately returned.

After the time of our interview with Dr. Lesniewski, another threat occurred at Punxsutawney Area School District. On Wednesday, March 14, the State Police were alerted to posts made to Instagram including photos of a known 14-year-old juvenile brandishing a handgun and a simulated rifle/long gun. The text which accompanied the posts inferred that gun violence would be committed against other students.

The juvenile was taken into custody and admitted to making the posts in an effort to keep some other students from bullying him any longer. He was charged and taken into the custody of the Jefferson County Juvenile Probation Department.

Mercer County: Lakeview Middle/High School Bomb Threat

A possible bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Lakeview Middle/High School in Stoneboro, Mercer County, on Friday, March 2.

Mercer-based State Police said troopers were at the school, and a bomb-sniffing dog was expected to help check it.

Students were at evacuation sites while state police cleared the building for a safe return.

Venango County: Franklin Area High School Threat

Three Franklin Area High School students are facing charges following a threat of violence at the school.

According to a release issued by Franklin-based State Police Tpr. Miller, a potential threat of violence was reported to school officials on Monday.

A full investigation was conducted and it was determined that there was no imminent danger to staff or students.

Three juveniles – two 16-year-old males and one 15-year-old male – will be charged with terroristic threats through District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland’s office.

They will be processed through the juvenile court system.

“The safety and security of school students and staff in all districts is the primary concern and every potential threat will be thoroughly investigated,” said Tpr. Miller in the release.

Franklin Superintendent Pamela Dye released the following statement to the media:

“Yesterday, a threat of violence was reported to the high school principal by a student. It was determined to be an authentic threat and the matter was turned over to the Franklin State Police.”

“The district followed our discipline policy. A call was made last evening to the parents/faculty/staff of the junior-senior high school to provide information that a threat had been made and it was be handled by the Franklin State Police. Of course, the safety and welfare of our school community is of utmost importance.”

Venango County: Oil City Area School District Threats

On Friday, February 23, Oil City Police Department issued the following press release involving threats reported in the Oil City Area School District (OCASD):

Within the past two weeks, the Oil City Police Department has responded to the Oil City Senior High School (OCHS) and Middle School (OCMS) on eight separate occasions for reported threats of students possessing firearms on school property, acts of aggression towards other students and faculty, and incidents with the intent to cause alarm and instill fear.

Working in conjunction with OCHS and OCMS staff, all of the juvenile actors involved have been introduced to the Venango County Juvenile Justice System. All actors have been criminally prosecuted on charges ranging from Causing/and or Risking a Catastrophe, Felony Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, Misdemeanor Terroristic Threats, Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, as well as others.

The Oil City Police Department and OCASD have taken a Zero Tolerance approach to these incidents.

Any actor involved has been criminally prosecuted.

Any actors that may decide to demonstrate similar behavior in the future will be criminally prosecuted as well.

The Zero Tolerance approach applies to incidents of utterances and joking, in addition to willful misconduct.

Clarion County: Clarion Elementary Bomb Threat

According to Clarion Borough Police Chief William Peck IV, a juvenile was taken into custody after a verbal bomb threat on Tuesday, March 6.

Chief Peck said a State Police Bomb Squad was at the school checking for potential devices.

According to Clarion Borough Police Officer Kemmer, elementary school students were taken to the high school.

The case is being handled through the juvenile system.

Clarion County: Keystone Bomb Threat

According to district superintendent Shawn Algoe, someone wrote a threatening message on a bathroom wall near the high school gymnasium.

Parents were in the school around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday during music practice when one of them discovered the threatening message.

The message read: “There’s a bomb and bombs away.”

Algoe said it’s likely the threat was made on Saturday, March 11, following basketball games being held at the school.

“We believe this occurred on Saturday when there were four basketball teams playing at the school,” said Algoe. “None of the teams were Keystone. Keystone just hosted the event.”

Algoe said the authorities were contacted immediately and the Pennsylvania State Police used bomb-sniffing dogs to search the school for explosives.

No explosives were found.

Authorities cleared the scene around Midnight.

The school reopened on Monday, operating under its normal schedule.

Parents were notified of the threat via an automated one-call message on Sunday evening.

No suspects have been identified.

The incident remains under investigation.

Warren County: Sheffield Area Middle High School Treats

According to a report released by the Warren-based State Police, around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6, PSP Warren Troopers responded to the Sheffield Area Middle High School to investigate a verbal threat which was made by a known juvenile male indicating he would “shoot up the school.” As troopers arrived on the scene, the threat was assessed and thoroughly investigated.

The juvenile was taken into custody, while a juvenile petition was being prepared to charge him with third-degree felony Terroristic Threats and Disorderly Conduct. An emergency hearing was held in front of Judge Hammond, and the juvenile was committed to an Adolescent Center in Oil City pending an adjudication hearing.

Warren County: Warren Area High School Threats

At 3:05 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, a was also reported at the Warren Area High School. Warren-based State Troopers responded to the high school and conducted a thorough criminal investigation and subsequently arrested a known 16-year-old male for making verbal threats to “shoot up the school.”

He was taken into custody and charged with third-degree Terroristic Threats and Disorderly Conduct. He was then taken into custody by Warren County Juvenile Probation and placed accordingly awaiting an adjudication hearing.

Warren County: Warren Area Elementary Center Threats

Around 9:24 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13, PSP Warren Troopers responded to the Warren Area Elementary Center to investigate a written threat that was made by a 10-year-old juvenile. It stated, “kill all teachers” along with disturbing hand-drawn sketches. The accused juvenile was removed from the school and a juvenile petition was prepared for third-degree felony Terroristic Threats and Disorderly Conduct. The juvenile petition will be referred to the Warren County Juvenile Probation Office.

Around 10:19 a.m., while investigating the previously mentioned incident, it was brought to the attention of PSP Troopers by WAEC staff that another separate threat had been made by a seven-year-old juvenile. That threat remains under investigation.