Parents and teachers press Scranton board for crossing guards, gang prevention and safe‑storage materials

During the public‑comment portion of the Scranton School District board meeting, parents and educators pressed the district to take concrete steps on student safety.

Sarah Evans told the board she and other parents have been nearly struck while crossing students at Swetland and Sumner since the district lost its crossing guard before Christmas, asking "Whose responsibility is it for the guards? Is it the district? Scranton PD? The admin building?" Acting superintendent staff said the crossing guards are city employees coordinated by the City of Scranton and the district shares some of the cost; staff said they would send the district’s safety and security team to inspect the Swetland‑Sumner corner and reach out to the city.

Elizabeth Cozart echoed the safety concerns and said parents want direct communications from the district about lockdowns and safety incidents rather than learning about them on Facebook.

Holly Meade, a Scranton High School teacher, commended school resource officers for their de‑escalation work during a recent incident and urged additional regular trainings for staff and students on gang awareness. Meade noted a Feb. 15 gang‑prevention presentation that will include representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI and local law enforcement and asked the district to schedule recurring follow‑ups.

Shelly Pratt McHugh, a Moms Demand Action volunteer, asked the district to distribute Be Smart secure‑gun‑storage materials to parents and offered half‑hour trainings and handouts that other districts have used.

Board members and administration responded on record: administration said it would contact the city about crossing‑guard staffing, assess the specific intersection, and that it is reviewing Be Smart materials already provided by the volunteer. The board recorded public comment and noted plans to follow up with city and law‑enforcement partners.