Pottsville Area School District asked Schuylkill County Court on Wednesday to allow it to appoint another school police officer.
In a three-page petition, the district requested the addition of Michael Stack to its list of school police officers in order to help protect students, employees and other people at its properties.
The district said Stack, a Pottsville police officer, is qualified to do the work.
"(Stack) has the skills and experience necessary to serve as a school police officer in the Pottsville Area School District," according to the petition.
If the court approves Stack's appointment, he will be the seventh officer in Pottsville Area's force, which is authorized under the state Public School Code. The code also requires court approval for each officer.
In the petition, the district listed the following reasons it wants to hire the officers:
- Patrolling and protecting its buildings, students and all other people in them. The three buildings are Pottsville Area High School, D.H.H. Lengel Middle School and John S. Clarke Elementary Center, all of which are located in the city.
- Patrolling and protecting the district's grounds and property.
- Enforcing state laws, including school laws.
- Issuing summary citations and detaining individuals.
The district said Stack has all required training, including completion of the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Program and certification under the state Lethal Weapons Training Act.
Wednesday's petition is the second Pottsville Area has filed asking the court to approve school police officers.
On Nov. 15, 2013, the district asked the court to allow it to appoint six officers: John Borchick, Stephen Krater, Mark O'Toole, Richard Pugh, Brian Reno and Charles Webber.
On Nov. 18, Judge Charles M. Miller authorized the appointments of all six officers. They are currently serving the district.