My name is Tiffany Haney and I am a concerned parent with children attending schools in the Strongsville City School System.

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and community members, respectfully request that the Board of Education formally evaluate and pursue the implementation of weapons detection systems, including metal detectors or modern screening technology, at Strongsville High School.

This request follows a confirmed weapons incident on campus and is grounded in documented facts, national precedent, and evidence-based school safety practices.

Incident Summary (District-Confirmed Facts)

According to the official communication from Superintendent Dr. Cameron M. Ryba on [date]:

• A report was received that a student may have brought firearms onto school property

• An Airsoft gun, one firearm, and separate ammunition were located in a vehicle in the high school parking lot

• It was determined through investigation that these items were inside the high school, in the student’s backpack, for approximately 20 minutes

• The student was removed from campus

• The Strongsville Police Department is conducting an active investigation

These facts are not in dispute and were communicated directly to families by the district.

Why This Warrants Additional Preventive Measures

• The incident involved a firearm and ammunition physically inside the school building, undetected for a period of time during the school day.

• National data and district reporting show that weapons are most often brought onto campuses through standard entry points during regular school hours, not through forced entry.

• Schools using weapons detection systems report:

• Increased interception of firearms and knives before escalation
• Earlier intervention and improved response coordination
• A deterrent effect once screening is in place
• Greater clarity and consistency in safety protocols
• Modern screening systems are designed for school environments, allowing students to pass through efficiently without removing backpacks or causing significant delays.

What We Are Requesting

We respectfully request that the Board of Education:

• Conduct a formal safety and feasibility assessment for weapons detection systems at Strongsville High School.
• Review data and outcomes from comparable districts that implemented screening after confirmed weapons incidents.
• Explore available state and federal school safety grants and funding options.
• Present findings and recommendations publicly to ensure transparency and informed community discussion.

This petition does not question the professionalism or response of school administrators or law enforcement.

It acknowledges that procedures worked in response to a report.

It also recognizes that preventive screening addresses a different phase of safety: stopping weapons from entering the building in the first place.

Student and staff safety is a foundational requirement for learning, and proactive measures reduce future risk.

Signature Information Requested

• Parent or guardian of a current
•  Strongsville student: Yes / No
• School affiliation (optional)
• Zip code