Students brought up concerns over how a threat was handled at Cherry Hill High School East.
During the Feb. 11 board of education meeting, students of Cherry Hill High School East were understandably still feeling the effects of the morning’s stressful events.
At about 9 a.m., the Cherry Hill Police Department was made aware of a threat at the school, with patrol and investigative resources deployed to assist campus police. After more than an hour of sheltering in place, all students and staff were relocated to Cherry Hill West.
According to police, more information and specifics on the threat have yet to be available.
East students were in attendance at the meeting, both in person and virtually, to express concern about what they felt was a severe lack of communication that day. They described “chaos” in the morning, as approximately 2,000 students and staff were moved to West. Many said they felt like they were being “shoved around,” all while in the dark as to whether or not there was truly a life-threatening situation.
Senior Matt Berkery recalled seeing his peers crying and possibly experiencing anxiety attacks, wondering why they weren’t being evacuated sooner. Since the Columbine High School massacre that killed 12 students and one teacher in 1999, there have been well over 100 deadly school shootings in the United States that now seem all too common.
The teens called on board members and Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton to be more transparent about protocols in emergency situations.
“The protocols that we implement are those that have been designed by security experts,” Morton explained in his response. “When the threat was initiated, we referred directly to that protocol. This protocol is one that is designed by the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Department of Education, and that’s what we followed.
“The additional evacuation of the building came into effect upon the reality of where we are in society and things that have occurred as we’ve liaised and discussed with Cherry Hill Police Department.”
Morton added that East underwent a complete screen by trained K-9s and the threat was deemed non-credible. As for further details on the protocols in place, he and the board were unable to provide in-depth information.
Still, board President Gina Winters stressed that students’ concerns were heard and – as with anything in life – there’s always room for improvement.
“I’m taking all of this seriously,” she assured meeting attendees. “I am seeing other board members do it, too. And my hope is that, if we ever have to activate something like this again to keep you safe, that we will do it with a lens toward greater communication and improvement, so that you all feel taken care of, not just physical safety, but your emotional safety as well.”
Cherry Hill East was evacuated on the morning of Feb. 11 and its students relocated to West after a school threat. Police are still investigating the incident, but student concerns were heard by board of ed President Gina Winters, who promised better communication moving forward.
In other news, the board approved a four-year contract for teachers and non-certified staff who are members of the Cherry Hill Education Association (CHEA). Non-certified staff members include secretaries, as well as employees who work in facilities, support and technology.
All nine board members ratified and adopted the memorandum of agreement between the board’s negotiating team and the CHEA, which represents close to 1,200 members, and the contract vote was unanimous. In addition to salary increases, there is new contractual language to help promote staff wellness. The agreement is effective July 1 through June 30, 2029.
“I am beyond thrilled by the settlement agreement that has been reached with CHEA,” noted Morton, who described the negotiations as “extremely amicable.” “Kudos to the board of education, its negotiating team and CHEA for their collaboration in reaching an agreement that solidifies Cherry Hill public schools as a premier district to work in.”
“We can’t do anything we do without talented, qualified teachers and staff,” said board member Bridget Palmer, “and we know what we need to do to be competitive with other districts. I think that is critically important, especially given the shortage of teachers.”
“This round of collective bargaining was the most productive and collaborative in decades,” said Steve Redfearn, president of the CHEA. “This new agreement definitely sends a message to the staff that they are valued and appreciated by the Cherry Hill board of education.”
Assistant Superintendent Lynn Shugars also provided a monthly update at the meeting on the district’s bond referendum projects. The all-purpose rooms are nearing completion, with Kingston Elementary the farthest along. A dividing curtain has been installed to allow for more than one gym class to go on at the same time. Sound speakers for assemblies and performances have also been installed, as well as rigging for the stage’s curtains and lighting, a score board and basketball backstops.
Carusi Middle School is moving onto Phase 2, which includes the abatement and renovation of the B wing, along with the renovation of C wing spaces between the cafeteria and gym. That work will begin in June and run through May 2026. Next steps include the purchase of TCUs (temporary classroom units) and plans for installation.
