In an effort to enhance security and ensure a safe environment for students, staff, and community members, the School District of Lancaster (SDOL) undertook a major initiative to implement a weapons screening system at all ticketed events. This project, spearheaded by Dr. Justin Reese, Christopher Krokos, and Matthew Shields, was driven by the need to improve safety measures while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere at McCaskey High School and throughout the district. Over the course of the 2022-23 school year, this dedicated team worked through the complexities of policy discussions, stakeholder engagement, and logistical planning to bring this initiative to life, with full implementation set for fall 2024.
The process began with internal discussions at SDOL about the growing concerns around security at large events, particularly athletic games and performances that attract substantial community attendance. Dr. Reese, Krokos, and Shields recognized that while SDOL had strong security protocols in place, an additional layer of protection was necessary to prevent weapons or banned objects from entering school-sanctioned events. Understanding the sensitivity of implementing such a system in a public school setting, they approached the project with a focus on transparency, educa-tion, and community collaboration.
Navigating the political landscape was one of the first major challenges the team faced. This was an effort that had begun a few years prior lead by current Assistant Superintendent Christopher Lopez who has supported the endeavor to this date. Implementing a weapons screening system in a public school district requires approval from multiple stakeholders, including the school board, district administration, and local community leaders. Throughout the 2022-23 school year, Dr. Reese, Krokos, Shields engaged in a series of presentations, discussions, and town hall-style meetings to address concerns, provide research-based insights, and demonstrate how similar systems had been successful in other districts. Their ability to navigate these conversations with a focus on student safety and community trust was essential in moving the initiative forward.
To ensure the most effective and community-friendly solution, the team conducted extensive research on various available screening technologies. A crucial step in this process was their partnership with the Central Dauphin School District and School Police Chief Gabriel Olivera, which had already been in the process of hosting demonstrations for weapons screening systems. They were gracious enough to include us in this process. Through site visits, discussions with Central Dauphin administrators, and firsthand observations of screening operations with various vendors, the team gained valuable insights into what would work best for SDOL. They also engaged in conversations with the multiple vendors, evaluating factors such as efficiency, ac-curacy, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness before narrowing down their options.
With their research complete, Dr. Reese, Krokos, and Shields compiled their findings into a comprehensive report, which was then presented to the SDOL school board for approval. Their presentation included data on incident prevention, testimonials from other districts, and a breakdown of how the system would function at McCaskey events.
Through their strategic communication and focus on student safety, the team successfully secured board approval, paving the way for implementation in time for the fall 2024 sports season. A key component of the project’s success was ensuring that students, staff, and event attendees understood how the new system would work. The team worked closely with both students and vendors to determine the best way to introduce the technology while maintaining a smooth and respectful event experience. Through a series of informational sessions, training workshops, and trial runs, they provided hands-on demonstrations to ensure that everyone was comfortable with the system before full implementation.
Training efforts extended to event staff, security personnel, and school administrators, all of whom would be responsible for managing the screening process during games and events. The training focused on operating the technology, handling flagged items appropriately, and de-escalation strategies and entrance and exit processes to ensure a seamless experience for attendees. By involving students in the process, the team fostered a sense of shared responsibility, emphasizing that the screenings were about ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
When the system was officially implemented at sporting events in fall 2024, its impact was imme-diate. The screening devices successfully detected banned objects before they entered the event space, preventing potential safety risks. More im-portantly, the process remained efficient and un-obtrusive, allowing attendees to enter events without unnecessary delays. The team’s meticulous planning ensured that McCaskey’s athletic events remained not only secure but also welcoming and accessible to the community.
Looking ahead, the weapons screening initiative at McCaskey High School serves as a model for other districts considering similar security measures. Through strategic planning, community engage-ment, and collaboration, Dr. Reese, Krokos, and Shields demonstrated how schools can proactively address safety concerns without compromising the sense of community that makes school events special. Their leadership has set a new standard for event security in SDOL, ensuring that students, families, and fans can focus on cheering for their teams and celebrating their school spirit-without fear or distraction.
By prioritizing safety without sacrificing inclusivity, this initiative reflects SDOL’s commitment to proactive leadership and student well-being. The efforts of Dr. Justin Reese, Christopher Krokos, and Matthew Shields in bringing this project to fruition highlight the power of collaborative problem-solv-ing, strategic planning, and a deep-rooted dedication to the McCaskey community. Through their work, SDOL continues to set a benchmark for safe, engaging, and community-centered school events.
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This article was featured in the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) Spring 2025 report.