NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – With the recent Parkland, FL school shooting fresh in mind, the Directors of the Redbank Valley School District devoted significant time to security concerns at their Tuesday night work session.

Board President Chad Bish asked District Superintendent Mike Drzewiecki to outline the current state of the district’s security measures.  Mr. Drzewiecki proceeded to explain that the District has been developing an evolving security program that, essentially, began with a State Police study of the school buildings, policies, and internal culture that was conducted in October of 2015.  Using the results of this evaluation the District has developed policies as close to the State Police’s “Best Practices” as possible.

Mr. Drzewiecki explained that the first defense against an attack on schools is for the schools to develop a positive learning environment where students feel safe.  This builds a culture of trust between the students and the faculty and administration that makes it easier for students to bring safety concerns to the attention of staff adults. Drzewiecki went on to explain that Redbank Valley has well developed anti-bullying, drug and alcohol intervention, and “see something, say something” policies and training in place.  These serve as a foundation for any security policy.  Sandy Shirey, Intermediate School faculty, reported on lock down drill and drill planning that she is working with at the Elementary and Intermediate schools.  She reported that she is talking with Police Chief Ryan about conducting “active shooter” drills.

The Directors all expressed extreme concern for school safety.  The general consensus of the directors is that the district needs to have an Emergency Operating Procedures document developed for training and planning.

Student Represent Colin Shaffer told the Board that he is concerned when he speaks with teachers and the teachers don’t seem to have a clear idea of what they are supposed to do in the case of an emergency.  He said that his sense of security is based in his concept of the Redbank “community”.  Director Darren Bain said that his son and other students have told him much the same thing.  He expressed his frustration, “I am hearing that some door locks don’t work, some classroom phones don’t work and you can’t hear announcements in the gym.”  President Shaffer and Superintendent Drzewiecki both acknowledged that there is much still to do as this is an ongoing, evolving problem.

In other matters, Elementary Computer Teacher Kristen Landers gave a lengthy presentation on the availability of grants to expand the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) program into the Intermediate and High Schools.   VEX Robotics, a manufacturer of robotic teaching tools, is making a significant amount of money available to schools in Western Pennsylvania.  VEX supplies “kits”, parts and components of robotic machines, that students learn how to construct, applying science, technology and math training.  It is a “hands on” teaching method; applying academics to a “real world” experience.

Currently, there are two groups of elementary students involved in the GEMS (Girls Excelling at Math and Science) program.  The grant that she is proposing would allow middle school and high school students to join with the elementary kids to also participate in the hands-on learning projects.  In the first year, one group of 4 – 6 graders and 9 – 12 graders would be included.  In the second, and subsequent years, a 2nd group of 7 – 8 grades would be added.  Mrs. Landers provided information to the Directors in hope that they might approve applying for a grant.

Director Darren Bain questioned whether or not the “share the cost” of sports and activities is actually feasible within the community.  A spirited discussion about the cost and prioritizing of spending ensued.

The Board went into executive session after the nearly 3-hour public work session.

ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district