One of the first tasks of George S. Svolos, who was hired Monday as superintendent of the Moniteau School District, will be to ensure that there are procedures in place to avert the kind of emergency the district encountered on Tuesday.

Svolos, who is principal of Cranberry Elementary School in Venango County's Cranberry School District, won't begin his Moniteau duties until Oct. 26, but he already must be reflecting on what allowed Tuesday's situation at Dassa McKinney Elementary School to escalate.

In addition to reflecting on that unfortunate incident, he might also be pondering the bigger picture.

James L. Frank, 49, reportedly unhappy with his son's performance in a particular class and wanting him removed from it, first called the school and threatened to blow it up and kill the staff, then traveled to the school with two butcher-style knives in his van.

He was unable to enter the building because, after his phoned-in threat, the school was placed in lockdown status. But he allegedly tore off a security camera and audio communication system mounted on the building near the front door.

During questioning by police, Frank, who said he is the widowed father of two children, ages 10 and 13, explained that he had become upset because he felt the school had not acted quickly enough on his request.

He acknowledged that he "lost his patience" and that "anger got the best of him."

The situation involving Frank is sad and troubling. It's sad despite the fears and anxiety that enveloped the district both during and after the episode.

After all, Moniteau is achieving educational successes. For example, last month the district won praise from Gov. Ed Rendell for the "great progress" it has made in improving both math and reading scores in the federally mandated Annual Yearly Progress tests.

If there's anything good to say on Frank's behalf, it's that he is concerned about his children's school performance and that he at first tried to reach an amicable solution to a situation that he felt was not in one of his children's best interests.

Trouble is, he allowed impatience, frustration and anger to overcome his initial lawful approach to the problem.

No one can condone his unlawful actions, for which he might pay a price. However, at the same time, more parents should be as deeply concerned about their children's school performance as Frank apparently was, albeit without any thought of threatening violence.

More parents should meet with teachers to discuss their children's school performance when it is not up to par, as well as to explore what they can do at home to help.

Unlike Frank's handling of his child's issue, reasonable discussion, mutual respect, an understanding that a problem must be fully evaluated before decisions are made — and that could take time — will usually resolve an issue. Rash statements or threats will do nothing but complicate a situation.

No doubt Svolos will have to give further thought to these issues in the weeks ahead as well as after he assumes his role at Moniteau.

By hiring Svolos, the Moniteau School Board obviously is confident it will have someone capable of resolving all kinds of issues that come the district's way. It is to be hoped that district residents accord him the respect and coooperation that he deserves.

It also is to be hoped that Svolos will fashion a strong spirit of coooperation, understanding — and strategies for addressing issues — among all aspects of the district. And that includes strategies and procedures to prevent unfortunate events such as the one involving Frank from happening again.