Shawmont Parents Call Emergency Meeting on School Police Cut

Following the cut of the school police officer at , parents will hold an emergency meeting Tuesday night.

Last week, parents learned the school's police officer would be transferred to Hunter Elementary School in Kensington. The officer left Shawmont Feb. 15, and parents are trying to get her back.

"We don't have a problem with Shawmont. It's the district," Co-President of the Shawmont Home and School Association Janet Mchale said. "It's been good here because of Officer Downey. She talks to the kids, and we want her back."

Mchale said parents petitioned Shawmont to hold the meeting at the school Feb. 13, which the staff agreed to. However, she said the school district denied building access. Instead, the meeting will take place at  Tuesday at 7 p.m.

In a Philly.com article, the district said the officer would be replaced by a roving school officer patrol and also Philadelphia Police would monitor the school. Fighting off a budget deficit, the district has cut many programs throughout the city.

Mchale said Shawmont paid its fair share in 2011, with heavy cuts to instrumental music, the gifted program, school counseling, secretaries and lunch-time aides.

"At this point, we asking parents to bring in paper for our kids," she said.

In comparison to Hunter, Shawmont has about 80 more students. According to school district data, Hunter has reported 21 incidents this year, as opposed to 14 at Shawmont.

Mchale said that's largely due to the officer's work. 

At the meeting the ultimate goal is to get organized.

"We want to get everyone together, and figure out a way to get the officer back. It's about safety," Mchale said.

The 7 p.m. meeting is at 7811 Ridge Ave.