Petition for Permanent Enhanced Safety Measures for Students of St. Kilian Catholic School

To:                  The Administration of St. Kilian Catholic School, St. Kilian Parish Leadership, and the Diocese of Pittsburgh

From:             Concerned Parents and Parishioners of St. Kilian Catholic School and Parish

Date:               March 5, 2026

We, the undersigned parents and parishioners of St. Kilian Catholic School and Parish, respectfully submit this petition to request the immediate implementation of permanent enhanced safety and security measures to protect the students, faculty, and staff entrusted to your care.

Student safety is a shared moral, educational, and legal responsibility. Because school-day Mass is a required part of the students’ curriculum and takes place during school hours, it must be afforded the same level of protection, supervision, and access control as any other school activity.

In support of this responsibility, we respectfully request the following actions:

1. Private or Controlled-Access School Mass During School Hours

a.         All school-day Masses attended by St. Kilian Catholic School students shall be designated as student-only Masses or otherwise have controlled and secured access, so that only authorized students, faculty, and approved personnel may be present during the school day. This practice is already implemented at other Catholic schools and ensures students are protected while fulfilling their religious and academic obligations; or 

b.         school-day masses be conducted virtually so students remain in their classrooms; or

c.         school-day masses be conducted in the St Kilian Catholic School Gymnasium or other approved areas where only students and faculty are permitted. 

2. Full-Time, Qualified Security Presence

Parents kindly request a full-time, dedicated security personnel be present on St. Kilian Catholic School grounds every school day, and that security coverage extend to the church during any Mass attended by students. 

Parents also request clear communication regarding the training, authority, and responsibilities of diocesan security personnel so families understand how students are being protected.

3. Direct Safety Notification to the Principal

The principal of St. Kilian Catholic School be clearly designated as the primary and direct recipient of all safety-related communications from township police and diocesan officials. 

There should be no intermediary phone chain or delayed notification process before the principal is informed. 

Direct communication ensures immediate awareness, timely decision-making, and rapid implementation of protective measures when student safety may be at risk.

4. Immediate Town Hall and Ongoing Transparent Communication

The school, parish, and Diocese shall hold an immediate town hall meeting for parents and parishioners to address the recent safety incident(s), provide clear information about what occurred, and outline the specific actions and security changes being implemented to protect students. 

Additionally, we request ongoing, transparent communication so parents remain informed of safety protocols, security enhancements, and any future concerns affecting our children.

5. Temporary Closure and Securing of Private Roads During Student Movement

Saint Kilian Drive and Father Bober Way, both private roads, shall be closed to public vehicle and pedestrian access during the times students are walking to and from Mass, through the use of gates, staffed barricades, or other appropriate security measures. 

Restricting access during these times will reduce the risk of unauthorized individuals approaching students while they are outside the secured school building.

6. Written Student Safety and Security Plan by May 31, 2026

The school, parish, and Diocese shall provide a written safety and security plan specific to St. Kilian Catholic School and all school-day Mass activities no later than May 31, 2026. 

This plan should outline security personnel coverage, communication protocols, emergency response procedures, and access control measures so parents clearly understand how student safety will be ensured moving forward.

 
Our intent is to work collaboratively with school, parish, and diocesan leadership to ensure St. Kilian Catholic School remains a safe, secure, and faith-centered environment for every child.

We respectfully request written acknowledgment of this petition and a response outlining planned actions and timelines.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of our children.