Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Mars Area School District is aware of concerns regarding possible changes to police coverage at our school buildings in the coming school year.

The District is planning to move from a “hybrid” School Police Force model, consisting of both School Police Officers (employed by the District) and Municipal Police Officers (employed by Adams Township), to an “internal” School Police Force model that is comprised of District-employed, armed School Police Officers at all sites.  Please note that this change will be accompanied by the hiring of a new Mars Area School District Safety & Security Director, who will also be armed and housed at the high school.

The District will continue to have the same amount of coverage by experienced, armed School Police Officers at all of our school buildings. Coverage at extracurricular programs and activities will not be affected. 

 
While similar to the current hybrid model, this new structure is designed to improve internal communication and organization through a unified chain of command and clearer accountability.

In closing, the District sincerely appreciates the ongoing dedication of the Adams Township Police Department and its officers in ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and community.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with the township and its officers throughout this transition and well into the future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark Gross, Superintendent
Mars Area School District