January 5, 2026

Dear Wayne Highlands Families, Faculty and Staff,

This letter is intended to be informational regarding Pennsylvania Senate Bill 246, which was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro, amended school code and took effect on January 5, 2026.

PURPOSE OF THE LAW

Senate Bill 246 amends the Pennsylvania Public School Code to require school entities to notify parents, guardians, and school employees when an incident involving the possession of a weapon occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored activity, or on school transportation.

NOTIFICATION

If a weapon incident occurs that constitutes a violation of state law or local school weapon policy, a school entity must notify parents, guardians, and school employees within 24 hours of the incident.

The required notice will confirm that an incident involving a weapon occurred and will not include personally identifiable information about students involved.

Should a violation occur, Wayne Highlands will post notice on the district website and/or the district One Call system.

NOTIFICATION MEANING

Receiving a notification does not mean that a weapon was used or that a threat occurred. In most cases, reported weapons violations involve inadvertent or non-threatening situations in which an item was brought to school without intent to cause harm.

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Our district remains committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students and staff. Senate Bill 246 does not change our existing policies regarding weapons — those policies continue to prohibit weapons on school property and at school-related functions — but it does require that we communicate with families and staff in a timely and consistent manner when incidents occur.

If you have questions about this law or our notification procedures, please contact Timothy Morgan, Superintendent, at 570-253-4661.

Thank you for your attention and support in keeping our schools safe and transparent for everyone.

Sincerely,

Timothy Morgan
Superintendent
Wayne Highlands School District

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