NEW CASTLE —
Security measures in place and proposed for the Shenango Area School District will remain for the foreseeable future.
At the school board meeting this week, one parent, Tiffany Cast, asked if interest in school security will continue or die out because board attention will be redirected.
President Albert Burick Jr. assured her the board’s interest in security is ongoing.
“We have no interest in stopping it,” he said. “Everything we’ve done is to improve upon the situation. We have no plan to go backward.”
Following the Dec. 14 shootings in a Connecticut elementary school that resulted in the deaths of 20 student and six adults, schools across the country have given more attention to school safety.
Earlier this month, Shenango officials reviewed security procedures and identified areas where improvement was needed, according to superintendent Dr. Michael Schreck.
Following the meeting, Schreck said the review is continuing.
He said the district “has spent significant funds” to review and upgrade building security, adding it is partnering with the township police department.
“We have a visible police presence in the school buildings.”
The board also:
•Heard from principals Joseph McCormick of the high school and Adam Vincent of the elementary school who noted efforts of the district’s students have been recognized with two Keystone Awards for student achievement of above-the-board scores on Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests. This is the 10th consecutive year the Keystones have been received, they noted.
•Dissolved the Shenango Area Football Boosters. Burick said this is done when a new football coach is hired. “The new coach should have the ability to start a new program and institute policies as he sees fit.” The board hired Mike Commesso as head varsity football coach at this week’s meeting.
•Approved the 2013-14 school calendar. The first day of school is Aug. 26, and the last day will be June 5, 2014, with commencement set for the next day.
Closer Look
In the schools: Security measures to remain at Shenango
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