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A recent change to the Pennsylvania Public School Code mandates that school districts must station at least one full-time security guard on-site during school hours. This new requirement, part of Senate Bill 700—adopted as Act 55 during the summer budget negotiations—leaves the decision about whether guards will carry firearms up to individual districts.
The Requirements Under Act 55
The new provision under Act 55 requires trained security personnel to be present at schools, but it does not explicitly mandate that these guards be armed. According to Ali Gantz, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the security personnel must meet specific training standards, such as those set by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). This particular training is currently required only for armed school police officers.
While the change moves Pennsylvania schools closer to the possibility of having armed guards, it does not automatically enforce that change. For districts that already employ security personnel, the new legislation may not immediately affect their practices.
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Local Decision-Making on Armed Security
Karen Smith, president of the Central Bucks School Board in southeastern Pennsylvania, expressed support for allowing local communities to decide whether or not their security personnel should carry weapons. Her district already has security staff stationed at all three of its high schools, with some salary costs shared with the local police department. However, Smith acknowledged that not all communities may be comfortable with the idea of armed guards.
“I am sensitive to some communities who may not be interested in having an armed officer,” she said, emphasizing the value of local control in decision-making.
Financial Support for Security Personnel
To help districts cover the costs of employing full-time security personnel, Act 55 includes the option for districts to apply for grants under the School Safety and Security grants program. Districts can receive up to $50,000 to offset these costs, with funds available starting in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
In addition to this, the rising number of school shootings across the country has further underscored the need for enhanced security measures. Data from Everytown for Gun Safety and the K-12 School Shooting Database revealed a 31% increase in school shootings during the past academic year, making the 2023-24 school year the second-worst in terms of school gun violence.
Varying Practices Across Districts
Different districts have varying policies regarding armed security. For example, the North Star School District has security personnel trained in firearm handling, though they do not carry weapons daily. Superintendent Louis Lepley noted that the district has been proactive in preparing its security staff for potential situations involving firearms.
“Our staff is trained and capable, so we’re ahead of the curve,” Lepley said, adding that the community has been supportive of their security policies.
Waivers and Exceptions
While the new legislation requires trained security personnel, it also allows for exceptions. Schools can apply for waivers if they are unable to find qualified officers, provided they can prove they made a good-faith effort to comply with the law. These waivers are valid for one year.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania’s new school security regulations are designed to address the growing concerns about student and staff safety. However, the decision to arm security guards remains a local issue, with districts being able to tailor their security strategies based on community needs and preferences. Act 55 provides not only a framework for training but also financial support, while giving schools the flexibility to adapt to their unique security requirements.
