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Threat Assessment Team

In June of 2019, legislation was enacted to assist schools in creating safer environments.  One of the acts, Article XIII-E, Threat Assessment was added to the Pennsylvania School Code.

The law states that each school entity (school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, regional charter school, or cyber charter school) shall establish at least one threat assessment team. In accordance with the legislation, the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC), Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), and key stakeholders from across Pennsylvania developed model procedures and guidance materials to help local schools establish and operate threat assessment teams.

The Superintendent has appointed members to four threat assessment teams, including one that encompasses the entire district and three school-level threat assessment teams.  All team members have received extensive training provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

What is a Threat?

A threat is a communication or behavior that indicates an individual poses a danger to the safety of school staff or students through acts of violence or other behavior that would cause harm to self or others. The threat may be expressed/communicated behaviorally, orally, visually, in writing, electronically, or through any other means. These actions can be considered a threat regardless of whether it is observed by or communicated directly to the target of the threat or observed by a third party, and regardless of whether the target of the threat is aware of the threat.

Threat Assessment Team Members

Recent News

Penn Hills Showcases Future-Ready Education Through PHorge Academy at the Global Impact Forum
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Penn Hills School District leaders Dr. Matt Dado and Renel Williams presented at the Global Impact Forum, showcasing PHorge Academy—a groundbreaking, future-ready program built on four pillars: Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, and IT. The academy empowered students to explore real-world career pathways through innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning.

PHorge Robotics Students Earn First Industry Certification in Mechanical Foundations
PHorge Robotics Students Earn First Industry Certification in Mechanical Foundations

Twenty-five Penn Hills students from the PHorge Robotics Academy and Senior High Robotics Program have earned their first industry certification in Mechanical Foundations, endorsed by the ARM Institute. This milestone highlights the district’s commitment to providing real-world, industry-aligned pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and the trades.

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Contact Information

Don Johnson
Director of Safety

Kammi Barbarino
Secretary
(412) 793-7000, Ext. 1415