Pennsbury School District has implemented increased security protocols at school board meetings, including screening attendees with metal detectors, in response to a reported threat against district officials.
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Board President Dr. Joanna Steere addressed the new measures at the start of last week’s meeting.
“As those of you present are aware, we were all screened by security before entering the meeting,” Steere said. “This was necessary due to the fact that the district received a report of a threatening statement which was understood to be made against district officials, referencing violence.”
The board president stressed the district’s commitment to maintaining safety while allowing public participation in board meetings.
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“It is our hope that everyone can feel safe and welcome while attending board’s public meetings and to express themselves in public comment,” Steere said. “Please be assured that the district takes safety of the Pennsbury community seriously and we will continue to do so.”
Falls Township police Lt. Chris Clark told LevittownNow.com the department is aware there has been heated rhetoric at board meetings. It was unclear if an investigation into the reported threat was underway.
The increased security comes after multiple disruptions at a special meeting two weeks prior, which led to an early adjournment.
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Steere outlined expectations for board meetings, explaining the structure of welcome recognitions and reports, followed by public comment, and then the business portion.
“This is your time in which you, the members of the public, each have five minutes to address the board directly for up to a total of 90 minutes,” Steere said, speaking of public comment period.
She emphasized that disruptions preventing the board from conducting business would not be tolerated.
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“After multiple reminders of the need for quiet, you will be asked to leave in an effort to allow the work of the board to continue for the benefit of the whole community,” Steere said.
Officials said they had to postpone an awards ceremony due to security concerns.
The district’s board meetings have led to boisterous and, at times, heated comments directed at officials. The meetings have gained national attention over the years.
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There has been a noticeable increase in security at meetings since 2020. At times, district security guards have escorted some administrators and board members to their vehicles after meetings.
In 2021, then-Board President Christine Toy-Dragoni said there had been death and other threats made against her and fellow board members. The former board president said at the time she turned over copies of threats to the FBI.
The board held an executive session ahead of last week’s public meeting to discuss security protocols for the meeting and related topics, Steere said.
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