New safety measures may be coming to Greater Johnstown School District in the coming months.
At their school board meeting Tuesday night, school officials were given permission to solicit for metal detectors and hire up to 10 more safety officers.
“That the Administration be authorized to solicit for additional security staff for district buildings, based upon the Safety Coordinator’s assessment, not to exceed (10) additional officers.”
“That the Administration be authorized to solicit quotes and/or Request for Proposals (RFP), dependent upon procurement limits, for the purchase and installation of metal detectors at district buildings.”
Michael Dadey, Greater Johnstown High School Principal & Safety Coordinator for the district, says they currently have eight safety officers throughout the buildings.
“This is an issue across the United States at this point in time with the increase of violence and the increase of fighting, the additional things that we’ve been seeing with social media, and TikTok challenges that have been going on out there. This is just not an issue within the Johnstown School District,” he told 6 News.
Dadey adds that there is a cause behind violence, so they are also working to fix the root of the problem.
He says, on top of metal detectors and more guards, additional staff have been added for behavioral and counseling services.
They’ve also partnered with Community In Schools, adding a community navigator and re-engagement specialist to their team.
