School officials told the Berwick Area School District board they are exploring the possible purchase of metal detectors for all four district buildings and that any purchase would require a board policy to govern use.

At the meeting staff said they would obtain a quote for “open gate” metal detectors and bring details back to the board. The superintendent characterized the discussion as an informational first step and said the item would likely return on the November agenda for additional review and possible action.

A resident, Patricia Laurie of Burwick Borough, urged the board to hold a thorough public discussion of Policy 709.1 (use of metal detectors) and asked how the policy was placed on the agenda. Laurie also asked the board to make committee processes more transparent and to improve meeting accessibility for hearing-impaired attendees, saying microphones and board positioning made it difficult for some residents to hear.

The superintendent replied that the topic had been part of an executive session focused on security and that the board was bringing it to the public meeting for awareness; staff emphasized there was no vote at Tuesday’s meeting and that a formal policy discussion would return to the board later if the district decides to proceed.

Why it matters: metal detectors and school security policies touch on student privacy, civil liberties and safety procedures; the board will need to adopt clear rules governing where and how any equipment would be used.

Board members said they would review a draft policy and, if acceptable, place it on a future meeting agenda for first reading and potential vote.