9/25/24 Safety and Security Town Hall

The Scranton School District held a Safety and Security Town Hall on September 25, 2024, to update parents on the district's safety procedures, mental health supports, and communication protocols. The meeting covered physical security measures including the presence of School Safety Officers (SSOs) and School Resource Officers (SROs), investments in infrastructure such as door replacements funded by a $500,000 grant, and the use of AI-based Evolve weapons detection technology. The district also discussed emergency response plans, including the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) with defined actions like hold, secure, lockdown, and evacuate. Mental health initiatives were highlighted, including the addition of school counselors at all levels, partnerships with local mental health providers, and social-emotional learning curricula. Communication strategies during incidents involve coordinated notifications via phone calls, social media, and school messaging systems. The district emphasized the importance of reporting safety concerns through the anonymous "Safe to Say" system and maintaining confidentiality during investigations. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were announced, but references to grant funding and ongoing investments in security infrastructure suggest active capital improvement efforts.