Act 44 of 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Act 44 of 2025?

Act 44 is a new Pennsylvania law that took effect on January 6, 2026. It requires school districts to notify parents/guardians and staff within 24 hours whenever a weapon-related incident involving Derry Area students or staff occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored event, or on district-provided transportation during the course of transportation to or from school or a school-sponsored event. 

2. Who will receive the communication?

When a weapon-related incident occurs at a school building, the notification will be shared with all parents/guardians of students assigned to that building, as well as that building’s employees. To ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy, the District may also send districtwide notifications when appropriate.

If a weapon-related incident occurs at a school-sponsored activity or during transportation to or from school or a school-sponsored event, notifications will be shared with all appropriate staff, parents, and guardians.

3.  When will notifications be sent?

All notifications will be sent within 24 hours of the incident, in compliance with the Pennsylvania School Code.

4. What information will be included in the notification?

Each notification will include:

• The date and location of the incident.
• A general description of the incident.
• Whether the District, in collaboration with law enforcement, has determined if there is an active threat.

5. Why will these notifications likely be brief?

Due to privacy protections under state and federal law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), notifications may be brief and contain limited detail.  While some information cannot be shared, the District is committed to providing accurate communication. Act 44 ensures timely notification while protecting student privacy and supporting consistent procedures across school districts. The District will continue to report incidents to law enforcement and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as required by existing laws.

The District cannot include:

• Specific details about what happened.
• Names or identifying information about anyone involved.

We understand that families and staff may want more information; however, the District must comply with both state and federal privacy requirements.

6. What counts as a “weapon-related incident”?

School Board Policy 218.1 Weapons and the Pennsylvania School Code define a weapon as:

• “Any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, replica of a weapon, or any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.”

Some incidents occur without the intention of causing harm. Examples include a student unknowingly carrying a pocketknife after camping or a butter knife packed in a lunch. Even when there is no threat, the law requires notification. The District reserves the right to implement disciplinary or remedial actions in alignment with the Student Code of Conduct and Board policy.

7. Does a notification mean my child is in danger?

Many weapon-related incidents do not pose a threat to the school community. When law enforcement determines there is no ongoing threat, the District will clearly state this in the notification. If an active threat exists, the District will clearly communicate that information and continue to provide updates as details become available.

8. What steps does the District take after an incident?

Depending on the situation, the District follows established procedures, which may include but are not limited to the following:

• Notify law enforcement immediately.
• Conduct interviews and document the incident.
• Complete a threat assessment.
• Provide support to students and staff.
• Apply appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Board policy.
• Pursue criminal charges when warranted.

9. How will families and staff receive these notifications?

Notifications will be sent by email using the District’s communication system, School Messenger, posted on the district's website (dasd.us) and social media page.

Please ensure your contact information is up to date in PowerSchool. If a revision is needed, contact your child’s building office.

10. Will the District communicate again after the notification?

Additional communication will only be sent if there is an ongoing threat, as permitted under state and federal law.

11. How can I support my child if a notification is sent?

• Reassure your child that the District and law enforcement respond promptly and follow strict safety protocols.
• Encourage them to share any concerns with a trusted adult.
• If your child required additional support, please contact their school counselor.

12. Why is the District sending communications on non-active threats?

The District’s expectations and procedures regarding weapons on school property have not changed. What has changed is the requirement under Act 44 to notify families and staff about weapon-related incidents, even when there is no active threat to schools, students or staff.

13. Who can I contact with additional questions?

Please contact your School’s Principal or School Safety and Security Coordinator. We are here to help you navigate these changes and keep our community informed.