Prince George's County Public School District (PGCPS) is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of its students and staff. Colin L. Powell Academy K-8, located in Prince George's County, Maryland, is currently equipped with only one security assistant, which is insufficient to meet the safety needs of a school with nearly 2,000 students plus staff, teachers, and administrators. Given the increasing concerns about school safety nationwide, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to protect our children and educators.

The current security setup at Colin L. Powell Academy K-8 is inadequate. As the largest school of our kind in the district, a single security assistant cannot effectively monitor and address the potential security threats that can arise. Increasing the number of security assistants from one to four will allow for better monitoring of the school premises and ensure a rapid response to any incidents that may occur.

Additionally, the installation of metal detectors at the school's entrances is essential. Metal detectors serve as a deterrent to potential threats and ensure that dangerous items do not enter school grounds. Many schools across the country have adopted these measures and have reported a significant decrease in security incidents.

Supporting these security enhancements not only helps provide a safe learning environment for students but also ensures peace of mind for parents and faculty members. The safety of our children is a community responsibility, and it is imperative that Prince George's County Public School District takes these requests seriously. A school of our size and student age differences should not be on a waiting list -- we should be at the top of the list MUST HAVE list. 

Sign this petition to urge the Prince George's County Public School District to increase the number of security assistants at Colin L. Powell Academy K-8 and install metal detectors to safeguard our school community. After signing the petition, please reach out to PGCPS' Director of Safety and Security Services at gary2.cunningham@pgcps.org