JEFFERSON TWP — The parent who initiated the online petition to add metal detectors at the entrances in the South Butler School District spoke to the school board Wednesday night.

Tamara Finucan, who has six children in the district's schools, told the board that almost 1,400 people have signed the online petition to get metal detectors in the schools.

Finucan was moved to initiate the petition after Knoch High School student Jason Bowen, 18, was charged on Jan. 7 with terroristic threats and other crimes.

Bowen posted a video on Snapchat of him firing an AK style weapon with the caption “Training for prom walk.”

Finucan said research shows that guns can be found in 41 percent of American homes, and in 58 percent of homes in rural areas compared to 29 percent in urban areas.

“With those reported numbers, I don't think it is just coincidence that mass shootings in schools almost always happen in suburban or small-town schools similar to ours,” Finucan said.

She conceded that while there is no 100 percent effective tool in preventing an active shooter situation in a school district, the expense and planning associated with adding metal detectors are worth it.

“If using metal detectors can confiscate one weapon or deter one student from bringing a weapon to school, it seems the return is greater than the investment,” Finucan told the board.

Superintendent David Foley listed the myriad safety procedures and programs in place throughout the district, and shared that metal detectors would be included in the safety equipment purchased if the district is approved for a $812,000 state Crime and Delinquency grant.

“I am not opposed to metal detectors in any way, shape or form and neither is the board,” Foley said.

He also stated that the district will undergo a threat assessment that will evaluate all facilities, safety plans, collaborations with police; review the district's 16 safety policies, interview staff, review the communication systems, and evaluate the district's mental health support.

Foley said the assessment will be carried out by a team of state police troopers in mid February.

He said the board is waiting to see if the assessment determines that metal detectors would enhance safety in the district.

The Crime and Delinquency grants could be awarded anytime between February and the end of the year, Foley said.

Should the assessment determine that metal detectors should be added and the district is not awarded the grant, Foley said he would still consider recommending them to the board.