Harrisburg leaders discuss school violence at joint town hall | #schoolsaftey #kids #parents #children

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Harrisburg City Council and the Harrisburg School District board held a joint town hall Thursday focused on violence in and around schools.

Community members told city and school officials that addressing violence requires more than interventions inside schools.

Joshua Barker, a community member, said the school district should work with grassroots organizations that already have relationships with young people.

Barker also called for more activities for students.

“We need more activity out here plain and simple, with the kids, and you’ll see a difference in the school district. I guarantee that,” Barker said.

The district pointed to its relationship with Harrisburg Police as part of its response to student-related issues.

Wendell Morris, director of safety and security for the Harrisburg School District, said police respond to schools regularly.

“We call the Harrisburg police department just about everyday in this school district to respond to a school for a student-related issue or to respond after school for student-related issues. We have a very good working relationship. Is it 100% perfect? No, it’s not,” Morris said.

Harrisburg School District board member Annie Hughes said addressing school issues will require change.

“I think nothing changes if nothing changes,” Hughes said.

Harrisburg Police Chief Thomas Carter said students and teachers need to feel safe at school.

“Before kids can learn, they’ve got to feel safe. Before teachers can teach, they’ve got to feel safe, and right now, it is not happening,” Carter said.