The Ceasefire PA Education Fund hosted a recent roundtable to discuss school safety amid the national rise of gun violence, writes Rachel Ravina for The Reporter.
The meeting held at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library on September 26 brought together parents, teachers, students, law enforcement, and politicians to discuss the issue.
Carol Lastowka, Ceasefire PA Education Fund’s Organizing Manager, emphasized the urgency of these discussions. “… students don’t feel safe in schools, teachers don’t feel safe in schools. Parents don’t feel good about sending their kids out knowing that they might be caught in the crossfire of a shooting . . .” she said.
This meeting followed a recent shooting at a Georgia high school in early September, which left two children and two adults dead.
The 15-member panel included students, teachers, as well as Norristown Police Chief Jacqueline Bailey-Davis, and state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti.
Lastowka praised Chief Bailey-Davis for her efforts within the community. “She has such a commitment to community, to bolstering the community to become like a family,” Lastowka said.
Norristown Area High School students provided perspectives during the discussion, voicing their desire for a safe learning environment.
The event highlighted the need for evidence-based solutions and community collaboration to ensure that schools are safe spaces for students to learn and grow without fear.
Read more about the Ceasefire PA Education Fund’s roundtable at The Reporter.
