With good reason, school safety is a hot topic in Pennsylvania and around the country.

What should be done to improve safety for students, teachers and administrators at our local school districts?

That's a question that evokes a wide range of opinions and actions across the commonwealth — from a proposal by state Sen. Don White, R-41st, that would allow districts to arm some staff members, to decisions this year at Butler School District to step up campus security and close the school grounds to unscheduled visitors and through-traffic during the school day.

Most, if not all, of us have opinions and thoughts about these proposals and actions — if not original ideas on how to improve school safety even further.

That's why it's vitally important that Pennsylvanians take the opportunity to offer input to a task force convened earlier this year to address the issue.

The group is being led by Gov. Tom Wofl and state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, and is creating a report that is expected to be published later this year. It will look at issues ranging from funding, support for mental health, the effectiveness of training and security requirements, and the state's reporting system for school safety issues.

To its credit, the task force isn't limiting itself to closed-doors sessions with lawmakers or advocates. It's opening its doors to anyone who wants to get involved.

It would be a shame if anyone passed up that opportunity to help set the state's priorities when it comes to school safety.

What are the most pressing issues? Is it access to mental health services? Security staffing and infrastructure at your district? Is it the culture of your district in general?

Speak out and let state officials know what challenges school districts are facing in Butler County. Missing this opportunity to help lead the discussion isn't an option.

You can get involved by visiting the state's schoolsafety feedback page and leaving your comments: https://www.governor.pa.gov/school-safety-feedback.