Parents call for safeguards after gun found Cumberland County school; board meeting tonight

SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) — Some parents are calling for stronger safety measures after a loaded gun was found in a Cumberland County middle school earlier this month.

At tonight’s Cumberland Valley School Board meeting, they want their voices heard.

Earlier this month the Silver Spring Township police department told abc27 that a 15-year-old student at Eagle View Middle was found with a loaded semi-automatic handgun in his backpack.

Police and school administration say this was discovered back on February 6.

PAST COVERAGE: Gun found in student’s possession at Cumberland County middle school

Cumberland Valley Superintendent Mark Blanchard says no threats were made and students were not harmed.

“While no threats were made or students harmed, this issue hits far too close to home and we are taking this extremely seriously,” Blanchard said in a statement. ” The safety of our students and staff are our number one priority.”

In a note to parents, Blanchard wrote that since the incident the board has reviewed and condensed many proposals, one of them being metal detectors.

He says due to the cost alone, plus staffing them, they are not considering that option at this time.

Parents have their own thoughts.

At the meeting tonight, one parent will present a petition that has garnered over 1500 signatures, asking for the installation of metal detectors and bag scanners at all entrances of Cumberland Valley Public Schools.

The meeting will begin tonight at 7 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. It will also be livestreamed.

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