By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-817419.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Board of Education discussed the possibility Monday of installing metal detectors in city schools. But for now the overall issue of school safety will be tackled first.
WBFO'S Eileen Buckley reports on Monday's special school board session. Click the audio player above to hear her story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.
The Buffalo school district claims there's been a handful of guns found at schools over the past four years. But just last week an 11-year-old Campus West student brought a handgun to school. At-large board member Christopher Jacobs is now calling for a plan to begin installing metal detectors starting with city high schools.
The talk of metal detectors sparked some debate. School board member Pamela Perry-Cahill is against their installation at city schools. She says the district should instead come up with a stronger policy to deal with at-risk students.
The board agreed to allow Schools Superintendent James Williams to put together a comprehensive plan to deal with the overall topic of school safety. Williams says he will issue his plan in the next 30 days.
School board member Ralph Hernadez is also calling on the board to consider changes to its weapons policy. Hernadez is proposing that any student expelled for possession of a deadly weapon at a school should undergo a mandatory psychological evaluation. The board agreed to explore the resolution in committee.