Require transparency in funding for school metal detectors

Recent signers:
Joshua Kochis and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

In today's world, the safety of our children should be our utmost concern. Every day, we entrust our children to the education system with the hope that they will return home safely. It is troubling to think about the measures we take to secure courthouses, government buildings, and even concert venues by utilizing metal detectors to prevent weapons from entering, but yet these same safety precautions are not implemented in our schools.

Our children deserve the same level of protection. The Parma City School District (PCSD) has the responsibility to create a safe learning environment where parents feel at ease sending their children. The introduction of metal detectors in schools within the district is a crucial step towards increasing security and providing peace of mind to families.

However, it's not just about implementing this change; it's about the way we do it. The process needs to be transparent and straightforward. The PCSD needs to allow funds to be applied for, released, or raised specifically for the purpose of installing metal detectors in schools, without hiding it within other financial proposals or levies. This transparency will ensure that the community is fully aware and supportive of the initiatives taken to enhance school safety.

Parents, educators, and community members must come together to advocate for this change, demanding that the process is open and that any funds or initiatives related to the implementation of metal detectors are handled with full disclosure. Our children’s safety cannot be compromised by bureaucratic processes or lack of transparency.

By signing this petition, you are joining a movement to prioritize the safety of our children through clear, transparent, and funded mechanisms to introduce metal detectors in our schools. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that our schools are safe havens for all students. Advocate for transparency and children’s safety by signing now.

avatar of the starter
Matthew MyersPetition StarterI’m just a father who has lived in the PCSD his whole life and has children in the district as well.

2,180

Recent signers:
Joshua Kochis and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

In today's world, the safety of our children should be our utmost concern. Every day, we entrust our children to the education system with the hope that they will return home safely. It is troubling to think about the measures we take to secure courthouses, government buildings, and even concert venues by utilizing metal detectors to prevent weapons from entering, but yet these same safety precautions are not implemented in our schools.

Our children deserve the same level of protection. The Parma City School District (PCSD) has the responsibility to create a safe learning environment where parents feel at ease sending their children. The introduction of metal detectors in schools within the district is a crucial step towards increasing security and providing peace of mind to families.

However, it's not just about implementing this change; it's about the way we do it. The process needs to be transparent and straightforward. The PCSD needs to allow funds to be applied for, released, or raised specifically for the purpose of installing metal detectors in schools, without hiding it within other financial proposals or levies. This transparency will ensure that the community is fully aware and supportive of the initiatives taken to enhance school safety.

Parents, educators, and community members must come together to advocate for this change, demanding that the process is open and that any funds or initiatives related to the implementation of metal detectors are handled with full disclosure. Our children’s safety cannot be compromised by bureaucratic processes or lack of transparency.

By signing this petition, you are joining a movement to prioritize the safety of our children through clear, transparent, and funded mechanisms to introduce metal detectors in our schools. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that our schools are safe havens for all students. Advocate for transparency and children’s safety by signing now.

avatar of the starter
Matthew MyersPetition StarterI’m just a father who has lived in the PCSD his whole life and has children in the district as well.

The Decision Makers

Dr. Scott J. Hunt
Dr. Scott J. Hunt
Superintendent, Parma City School District
Responded
The Parma City School District understands the concerns raised in the petition around school safety and the call to install metal detectors. We share the belief that our schools must be safe, supportive environments where families feel confident sending their children each day. We also recognize the petition’s call for transparency in how any potential safety measures, such as metal detectors, would be funded. If the district were to move forward with a major safety investment, it would go through our normal public process, with clear information shared about costs, funding sources, and long-term maintenance. Implementing these measures involves more than just purchasing equipment; it also includes staffing, training, daily operations, and sustaining those efforts over time. Decisions about adding measures like metal detectors are not simple. Schools are different from other public spaces, and safety planning must take into account the full environment students and staff experience every day. Metal detectors are one option, but they are not a standalone solution. Any decision like this requires careful consideration, input from law enforcement and safety experts, and an understanding of how it fits into a broader, layered approach to safety. Our district already has multiple safety measures in place, including a dedicated safety and security team, established protocols, and strong partnerships with local law enforcement. In response to recent events, we have increased police patrols around our high schools and expanded officer presence inside our buildings. We are also conducting a thorough review of our current practices, working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify areas for strengthening. We are also convening a Task Force on School Safety made up of staff, students, families, Board members, safety forces, and mental health professionals. This group will help guide the process of evaluating and implementing potential safety changes. This process will be transparent and include opportunities for community awareness. We appreciate the community’s engagement on this issue. We will continue to listen, communicate openly, and keep our focus on the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Scott J. Hunt, EdD Superintendent Parma City Schools
Parma City School District Board
5 Members
Ashley McTaggart
Parma City School District Board
Nick Reyes
Parma City School District Board
Brittany Kurpik
Parma City School District Board

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Petition created on April 21, 2026