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Superintendent

Photo of Nancy Hines

School safety continues to be a top priority for Penn Hills School District (PHSD).  WE recognize safety isn’t just about “buying stuff” either.  Feeling safe is generally tied to a sense of belonging and feeling reassured that those in charge are paying close attention and being proactive.  To that end, PHSD continues to follow a blended model of safety and security.  Each school will continue to be staffed with Youth Engagement School Specialists (YESS) who are the first interface with OUR students.  OUR YESS team works closely with students, families, and staff to identify and mitigate issues that are interfering with school focus and/or performance.  PHSD also has traditional security officers on staff who are employed by OSA Global Security.  These individuals assist with surveillance of movement inside and outside our schools.  OSA officers will continue to monitor OUR recently enhanced camera systems, complete regular perimeter checks to ensure OUR buildings remain secure, screen visitors attempting to enter OUR schools, and they will also continue assisting with morning check-in procedures.  Another layer of protection includes the onsite supervision of active-duty Penn Hills Police Officers, which has been extended to include all schools in the 22/23 school year, following the very successful pilot WE launched at the end of 21/22 when various social media posts were circulating locally and nationally.  Given the additional safety and security funds made available by PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), OUR Board of School Directors authorized on 8/3/22 the Solicitor and PHSD Administration to take next steps in the formation of a PHSD School Police unit.  PCCD funds will be applied to help fund force formation that is expected to include a new full-time PHSD School Police Supervisor and several PHSD Police Officers on duty in each of the schools.  The Board has also authorized driveway booths, locked gates during most school hours, and no entry into the schools unless cleared in advance by the school office.  While these enhancements will take time to coordinate and launch, please be reassured that all enhanced measures are being pursued to help bolster OUR layers of protection in the event of a crisis situation.  You should also be reassured that WE realize the trauma associated with violence exposure and the presence of armed officers among US.  Please trust that OUR active-duty police officers who have worked in OUR schools over the past several years have really set the tone.  Having police in OUR schools MUST remain about Protecting and Serving those onsite. As WE know, it ABSOLUTELY takes a village to keep US all safe.  Stakeholders (including OUR students) are encouraged to continue using the Safe2Say portal (phone, text, or email) to report any/all concerns about compromised safety and/or to tell a trusted staff member.  OUR internal logging system has been enhanced over the summer to ensure all concerns are registered and investigated.

Nancy

Recent News

Calendar Reminder

As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL on Friday, May 26 and NO SCHOOL on Monday, May 29.

As we close out our current school year, we also remind you of the following:

Community-Based Reform Initiatives

Dr. Nancy Hines, Superintendent, addresses the board about community-based reform efforts being undertaken by the District in collaboration with community-based agencies and groups.

Class of 2023 Commencement

Commencement exercises for the Class of 2023 will be held on June 9, 2023 at 6:30 PM at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium. Beginning at 6:15 p.m., the event will be broadcast live on phsd.org. 


 

Athletics and Activities Presentation

Stephanie Strauss, the district athletic director, gave a presentation to the board of directors about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), college recruitment, and public relations during the regular voting meeting in April.

Upcoming Events

Contact Information

Dr. Nancy Hines, Ed.D.
Superintendent
(412) 793-7000, Ext. 1282

Nakita Laprade
Secretary
(412) 793-7000, Ext. 1253