School board debates campus security

WESTFALL — A recent workshop with advisors from law enforcement has Delaware Valley School Board members looking for the fastest way to put armed police on the district’s three campuses. The use of so-called “resource officers,” regular local police funded by the district, was discussed earlier. But the board’s safety committee Chair, Bob Goldsack, reported on Aug. 23 that there is a problem at the Dingman campus, where the state police are the only cops with jurisdiction in the township. He said stationing a state police officer there would cost Dingman Valley up to $100,000 a year and, unlike local police with local roots, troopers transfer regularly and would have difficulty making the kinds of contacts that might prevent serious incidents. Goldsack wanted to seek the aid of state Senator Lisa Baker, through a pending bill expanding a school’s ability to maintain their own district police. The discussion reopened the question of armed officers on campus. “I’m philosophically against having guns in school. It brings kids down to that level,” said member Bell Hodges Smith. “I’m all for other preventative measures, not police in the school,” she said. Those bent on violence “will hit the most vulnerable place and we’re leaving ourselves vulnerable,” Goldsack replied. He found broad support. Sue Casey said she opposed police in earlier discussions, years ago, but “times are different. I will support armed personnel,” she said. Recalling a domestic related murder-suicide that occurred on the Westfall campus some years ago, Superintendent Dr. Candis Finan also agreed. “Armed officers are no longer an anomaly. With 1,934 students in the high school, the concept isn’t odd anymore ... You can’t confront an armed person without a gun,” she said. Another question was, where is the greatest need - in Dingman or at the high school with the greater concentration of more sophisticated students. Solicitor Michael Weinstein was directed to find out what the district was entitled to do, how many officers and how much cost would be involved. To avoid any delay, Weinstein is to report back at a 6:30 p.m., Sept. 6 safety committee meeting with recommendations and candidates for appointment.