I agree the cost seems excessive, but as a parent with two steudents at Saucon Valley, I am in favor of anything that makes the schools more secure. I certainly do not want to see what happened at Newtown happen here (or anywhere else), and I think the Board is doing toe right thing (for once) trying to prevent it.

Dennis,
We don't have to worry about school security. See, if the district keeps raising taxes, nobody will be able to afford to live in the SVSD, so no students will attend the schools.Therefore, no security will be needed.
Society has lost the values that made this country great. All the armed guards in the world will not prevent someone with an agenda from carrying out an act of selfish terror.
But, in the mind of school districts, more money will solve the problem. Let the taxpayers pay more in the name of safety. Bigger locks, armed guards, bullet proof windows - that surely will stop the violence.
I wish it were that simple .

The cost is nothing compared to my child's life. It will be worth every penny if it makes people think twice before going to our school to start trouble. We've had to all learn the hard way how vital it is for a safe school environment. I think this is what's best for my child and every other child who walks through those doors every morning.

The only way to go if you want your children safer. More than 30% of the schools in this country already have someone armed.

Allan,
What planet do you live on. Saucon Valley hasn't raised taxes in four years. They lead the pack in this area for not raising taxes. 0% for Saucon 20% for Bethlehem

I agree with Dennis! Guns do not belong in schools. I don't care who is carrying them. The armed guard did not help at Columbine, And Virginia Tech even had their own police force on campus. What is going to keep our campus safe is an aware and involved community.

Ed, get a new cliche. I live on Earth, not in some dreamworld where I look at what another school district does. I don't pay taxes to Bethlehem, but I do pay the high price of running SVSD. Stadium upgrades, lawn care, costs of sports, and many other items keep the tax rate too high.
This armed guard idea is something I believe should be looked at thoroughly before $120,000 + is spent. I want safety, not only for kids like other commentators, but for all who attend - teachers and staff included.

A person with intent to kill will shoot the guard first. If you believe it's the guards presence that will deter the gunman then save 100k and just keep a patrol car parked outside all day.

Saucon Valley has raised it's taxes Edward. My taxes are a small fortune. I'm in favor of SV putting our money to good use. The teachers can't decide if they want a contract. The school board has eliminated 2.5 teaching jobs for next year. But there is over 100K to pay an armed guard? A person with intent to kill will make it pass the expensive guard, by shooting him first.

For a change, I agree with Allan Bach's comment on hiring a full time guard. One guard would not increase safety even a little bit at the SVSD campus is spread out of a number of interconnected buildings. Those who think that the disturbed people who do school shootings might "think twice" is just wrong. Obviously, such people would not be dissuaded by one armed guard. Safety of schools (which is vitally important) is best addressed by disarming the population.

Joel, thank you for bringing out the point about multiple entrances at the campus. Even if the armed guard would rotate to the elementary after the high school and middle schools open, that still leaves the high school and middle school opening at the same time (at least they did when my boys went to SV). What then? A frenzied guard rushing a couple hundred yards from high school entrance to middle school entrance to gun down an intruder who already has entered? God bless all victims everywhere, but rushing into the hiring of an armed guard is an emotional response and one that brings its own ethical issues. There are greater, deeper underlying problems that need to be addressed. Yes, mothers or fathers who have responded to this thread, I understand you will do anything to protect your children. I would, too. However, bringing firearms into a school is not one of them. And please, let's not even begin discussing SV's taxes. We pay high taxes as it is and it's only a matter of time until they escalate. Maybe we'll find another tennis court to repair at a few hundred K, or maybe we'll put in an all-weather track at umpteen thousands of dollars, or fund yet another scholastic sport that we really can't afford . . . or need.

Dennis, thank you for being such an intelligent and well spoken critic. On looking as my own comment above I realize that I left out an "as" and made another grammatical mistake. That is what old age does for you.

By the way, having served on the school board, I am always sensitive to tax issues because most often the board has no choice but to raise taxes to maintain a high standard of education and physical safety. i t tales courage to actually raise taxes which are certainly likely to be unpopular with voters. Sadly, that courage is rarely found in today's board. The capital expenses you mention as examples---tennis courts, etc.----are rare and seldom result in substantial increases in taxes as almost always the money is borrowed at very low rates. The capital expense recently for the stadium actually use money from a loan I engineered which was intended to buy the property across Polk Road for expansion purposes.
The loan we got was excellent. However, the incoming board scotched the idea and the board has debated what to do with the money ever since. I still think the idea of buying the land is a good one. Among other things, it would prevent the development of the land into many houses which could overwhelm the school with many more children and force higher rates. And, no, I am not running for reelection.

How to create a controversy:

(1) Request that the board have a public budget discussion at the next meeting.
(2) Refer to the list of unresolved issues that are part of every preliminary budget.
(3) The list of open issues includes staffing, instruction, music instruments, field repair, preventive building maintenance, and security.
(4) Wait for the most eye-catching headline to appear, which would today require the story to involve a weapon rather than a book.

I personally do not believe the time is appropriate for armed security guards in our schools, but I was not asked that question. Further, the board has not yet had the opportunity to discuss the matter in public.

Dennis, I am with you 100%. I am a teacher (not at SVSD), a mother, and believe fervently in keeping our children safe, but I am NOT in favor of an armed guard. The solution is not more guns.

Dear Lower Saucon Brother,
Please don't think everyone on this thread doesn't know how to handle a gun, or defend his country, or . . . gut a deer. Some, like myself, may take offense to a statement like that. But, you are correct on one account: I don't like to see my taxes go up on unnecessary expenditures. I think this approach is unnecessary. The bottom line with me, however, is the presence of an armed guard in our schools and the message that sends to kids and the community at-large. "Mommy, why does that man at the door have a gun?"
"Well, sweetheart, he's protecting you from bad people who might come to the school to shoot you and your teachers."
"Mommy, I don't think I want to go to school today. Can we go home?"

Thank you, Dennis, for bringing some much-needed perspective on this issue. When something terrible happens -- like Newtown -- our natural human instinct is to panic and reach for quick solutions. But an armed guard is not the answer, for all of the reasons you state. Let's keep talking about reducing gun violence. If you're looking for a way to get involved, here's one suggestion --https://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Million-Moms-For-Gun-Control-PA-SE-PA-Region-Philadelphia-Chapter/112211645614904?ref=stream

Thanks, Cary. I'll check out the link.

I wish I could say I was surprised at all this neagtive feedback about the idea of an armed guard (or even better, guards) in schools. Sadly, though, I've come to expect as much. While there is quite a bit of support for this idea, none of the supporters seem to read Patch, besides myself and a few others.

However, I think the idea of an armed guard not only has merit, but I believe it should be discussed by the school board. One guard wouldn't be enough. Just a fact. There would need to be multiple guards. Also, per building. It wouldn't be cheap, but that's why it needs to be discussed. Personally, as a parent of a child that goes to SVSD, I'd feel better knowing there is an armed guard patrolling the halls. And something better than a garden-variety "rent-a-cop". I'd want this person to be well trained, not merely Act 235 qualified.

And Dennis Scholl, I can see where you're coming from, but it's also a sad commentary of the times when children fear weapons, and/or those who use them, because their parents never taught them about weapons: safety, handling, usage etc. I was brought up shooting from a young age, and so guns to me, and to my children, are a second-nature facet of life. Everyone in my house knows if I leave the house, my firearm is with me. My wife carries, and when the oldest child demonstrates some discipline and responsibility (she's 7) she'll be taught how to shoot as well. Just keeping the heritage going.

Micky, you don't need to tell me it's a sign of bad times. Things have changed immensely since I was a kid, and not for the better. I grew up in this town and used to - can you believe this? - carry a .22 from my house on Magnolia Road down to the limestone quarry across Saucon Creek, where a bunch of us would plunk tin cans and bottles. I used to buy .22 ammo as a teenager at Carson's Hardware, which is now Bella's Ristorante (great place by the way). I've been hunting for 46 years and own a beautiful .42-caliber flintlock I had made for me, modeled after the rifles the Moll family of Hellertown once made in a small rifle factory on Main Street, near present-day Hero Electric. So, yes, I'm a gun owner and a gun user and I advocate the right to bear arms. I'm not in favor of armed guards in our schools, however. It is just wrong and sends a very bad message to youngsters - and adults - about our society.

actually about 3 or 4 guards would be needed in the wacky proposal. vacation, personal, sick time, etc. all have to be accounted for.

while we are at it, the proposal should include gated 6ft barbed wire fence, no way a criminal could get in.

Everyone keeps refering to "criminals" attacking the schools. They are not criminals until they act. These are mentally disturbed people comitting these atrocities. Another point I would like to make, not long ago we witnessed the massacre of innocent children at Sandy Hook. One of the many commentators or speculators stated "if we ignore these people, ie do not repeatedly announce their name in the media, do not share details about them, it takes away their importance". This makes so much sense in that another mentally disturbed person contemplating ending their own life would do it quietly, if it were not for the fact that the media tells them to go out with a bang. Get your fifteen minutes of fame by taking the innocents with you. That was in December, witness last week, Christopher Donner, mentally unstable, most likely suffering from some for of PTSD, we were force fed every little detail about him. How long do you think it will be before the next mentally disturbed person takes action??

Wow I love that this topic fires up so many people. I guess that's what happens when raising taxes and guns are mentioned in the same sentence. Really?of course we pay higher school taxes, we have a school district that people move to the area for. We bought our second house based on staying in SVSD. We knew we were paying higher taxes , but a good education is worth it. We moved from a local school district that was horrible. Don't like the taxes move..Plenty of available houses. Not sure were I stand on having a hired armed guard. We will never disarm the population, what a ridiculous statement.(by the way I don't own a gun or hunt. I just believe if you are a law abiding citizen its your right to own a gun if you want)
Would an arm guard work at Saucon Valley, not sure . Three campuses make a one person approach very hard. I don't know why having a trained person there protecting our children bothers people. Ever go to a professional sporting event?
I think sitting back and doing nothing proactive isn't the answer. This has to be a multi-faceted approach. Having stricter rules on entry to the school(ever go there in the middle of the day?? ) Have more faculty awareness training on spotting problem children. Better mental health care over all(our health system is broken in this area) And maybe a hired person whose job is to protect our children. I'd rather say I spent money then did nothing. Let's be honest $150,000 isn't making a major tax hike.

Never mind the controversy between gun control/mental health .Both of those issues do not have immediate solutions.
My IMMEDIATE concern is my child and that the cafeteria entrance is less than 50 feet from the front entrance. Someone could potentially have access to hundreds of students in less than 30 seconds. Creating a barrier with an additional locked door, bulletproof glass, possibly having a police officer as well, may cause a shooter to think twice. If not it buys some time. Time to hit an emergency switch and get as many students out of that cafeteria as possible. Just an extra minute would mean lives saved. Drills need to be held so children and teachers know what to do in an emergency situation

I am DISGUSTED that this has to even be discussed and that my child would have to go through drills like this or even see an armed guard at school but I also would be far more disgusted with myself if I sat back and said nothing. Can you put a cost on saving children? I am not sure you can. Dennis, I notice that you mention that your kids went to Saucon Valley. Do you currently still have children in the schools??? I feel it hits a lot harder when you know that your child is eating 50 feet from an entrance that has a "buzzer" to let you in , followed by a glance over from the office peep window

Something should be done to protect our children at school, why not try installing a scanner at the door for every person to go through, and hire a security guard to take anyone into custody if they are carrying any weapons. The courthouse does it , why not the schools. It would be cheaper and will keep weapons out of our schools.

I also agree with Allison about the peep window. How many office people really look at who they are letting in that door. Besides what I have suggested above, I would vote on the school placing bulletproof glass in all windows and doors to the school and get rid of the bell that allows anyone to enter the building.I have a child that attends school and eats in that cafeteria and those doors should be closed during lunch, too many people can see through the front entrance and watch all of the children in the cafeteria. Not a smart thing! The school needs to do what they can to protect our kids, a whole alot more!!! Money is spent on everything else, and almost all of the activities at the school cost us money, US! Now we need their help.

Maybe instead of the school board deciding this, there should be a committee of parents from each grade. 24 people will bring different ideas, but they will all have the same goal. Child safety.

Speaking from personal experience as an outsider who sometimes visits the schools, I will say that I have never been allowed to breeze past the 'peep window,' nor have I seen others do that. Although I think most of the office staff know who I am (at least by sight), I still need to identify myself, sign the log and take a hall pass. I have always found the employees who check in visitors to be cordial, efficient and thorough. If there are staff who aren't looking at people as they're walking in, I find that surprising.

@D Johnson, I did not realize rebutal comments were limited to one! Yes, I know you already said that your comment was harsh, I was simply giving my opinion regarding it. I am sure you meant to say where you taxes have gone, as oposed to have went. BTW, did you go to SV?

My kids graduated from tyhe district in 2003 and 2007, but the campus was the same. All the entrances that are there now, were there when my kids went to school. I was an environmental ed consultant for the district for nine years (K-5), so I'm very familiar with the layout.

Armed guards are in a prison. I do not want my child attending a school where he is treated like a prisoner. We are new to this district, and the reason we chose Saucon Valley was because of the tolerance, integrity, and emphasis on educating the whole student, and the common sense of a community that supports families, instead of breeding fear. I oppose armed guards. We are NOT a fearful people. If adults are licensed to carry, I support these individuals carrying weapons in and around the school, but I do NOT support armed guards.

All this debate over an armed guard at the school! We likely all agree on one thing, anyone who would go on a shooting rampage anywhere has a mental problem. I think it's safe to say that aside from Joel Katz who believes the deaths of innocents can be stopped by completely disarming the population, the rest of us who are commenting here are pretty normal. Not one of us, even including Joel, can possibly know what's going on in the mind of one of these killers. I think we can also agree that if one of them is intent on killing for killing's sake or any other bizarre reason, that no amount of preventative measures can stop the carnage.

Washington, DC likely has the most restricted and heavily guarded airspace on the planet. Yet, on September 11, 2001 a commercial airliner was flown into the Pentagon nearly two hours after other planes were hijacked and over 4,000 flights were grounded. The point being, if evil persons want to kill others, it's going to happen. You simply can't protect against everything. (Continued.)

But lets think about it anyway. Should armed guards be at every bus stop in the morning and afternoon? What about guards on the buses themselves? There are nearly as many children on each bus as were killed in Newtown. Should we be worried about that? How about psychological testing for all of the bus drivers? What about the athletic fields? What if someone hijacks an SUV and drives onto the fields and mows down the girls playing field hockey? Maybe we should have fences like on Jurassic Park so this can't happen. Should armed guards be patrolling outside the school too? What about if the field hockey team is at an away game? What if that school has lax security? Should armed guards follow all the sports teams around? OMG, what about the band? Speaking of the band, should we start checking their instrument cases if they’ve taken their instruments home to practice? God only knows what you can fit into a trombone case. If one of them has had problems with their scales and becomes unhinged as a result, then what? What about when other bands come to play at football games here, should we check their instrument cases too?

I could go on for hours. Where does it end? I’m not saying we shouldn’t be concerned about school safety, but an armed guard? Is what we have now not sufficient?

Good comments, Andrew. I think this thread has been very positive in the sense that we're reading various opinions without anyone being slanderous. (OK, we've come close a couple of times but people have shown restraint.) I'm sure some school board members have been monitoring the comments, and they should be. This is the type of discussion that wouldn't be allowed at a school board meeting because it would take up too much time. So, as a forum for statements pro and con, this has been good. I understand it's a lightning rod; anything regarding children is bound to be emotional. My boys graduated after Columbine and a couple of other senseless slaughters, but the nation didn't galvanize then as it is now. Sandy Hook was the straw that broke the camel's back, and this thread is simply a microcosm of what we're seeing around the country. I don't know where this is going to end, but everyone is entitled to an opinion, as we're seeing. No opinion is wrong. But if we can take the time to type comments here, we certainly can find time to attend school board meetings that deal with this topic and others that effect the safety of our children. (Continued in next submission)

(from previous submission)
I've been around long enough to see how society has changed, and I'm not particularly fond of our current direction in regard to police presence in schools. The problem doesn't start when shots ring out in school hallways. The problem begins much earlier in homes where children are neglected, abused, exposed to hate, suffer through divorces . . . you name it. Left untreated and uncounseled, the children who suffer those consequences stand a good chance of exhibiting the same traits later in life or turning to substance addiction as a cure. So, you can hire armed guards to deal with the most extreme cases and take a chance it works, or you can address the issues that cause the problems at an early age. I am not for hiring one or more armed guards, but I would support hiring qualified professionals whose only job at a school would be to work with children who are exhibiting instability at an early age. I repeat: It would be their ONLY job, and not a .5 job, but full-time. Rest assured, there are far more emotional ly unstable children in our schools than you realize.

The school already has professional people called counsellors to help the emotional child at school, this is their only job at the school from opening until closing. As I mentioned before, scanners installed at all entrance doors to the entire school, with unarmed, security guards at the doors, to arrest anyone with a weapon like all of the courts do. The scanner would check everyone who enters the school, including the students who would have their bookbags scanned as they enter the doors, it might be time consuming for the school, but I believe it could be worked out, and parents, teachers, and staff would have less stress knowing that the schools are safe.And I do not believe this would frighten the kids or make them feel like they were in a prison, my guess is they will feel safe knowing their school will take into custody anyone caught with a weapon.

Vida Frankenfield - Do you have any idea what those scanners cost? You don't think even unarmed guards in addition to those scanners would be frightening to children?

Children are taught home safety by their parents, who would also talk to them about the need for such action to be taken for their safety while they are in school all day. I am one of those parents who discusses such issues with my child, knowing exactly what is being done for their safety, I believe, makes them feel safer, which is the way they should feel, and from experience, my child has a better understanding of the school's safety issues.All it takes is the right communication between parent and child.As far as scanners being expensive, well, I would rather be safe, then sorry. This should be an expense for the school board, we already pay high taxes for Saucon Valley. Safety and education should come hand in hand, with one being just as important as the other, now it is up to the school district to do something good for the sake of their students, I do not see why they could not include this change into their budget. Maybe, if enough parents complain it will happen. If you can come up with something better, then do so.

Vida, I assure you the school district does not have an adequate number of counselors to handle the number of case loads. if you think they do, then you do not have much experience with elementary/middle school/high school counseling situations, which tend to have an academic/emotional overlap. Please do some investigation into the average number of case loads per counselor in any public school system and you'll soon see what I mean. you need people who pay attention to emotional issues only, not people who do the normal overlap work. By the way, do scanners stop bullets? And, I applaud you for communicating with your children, but I assure you there are many parents who don't. You say "All it takes is the right communication between parent and child." Really? I think you're simplifying and isolating the situation.

Apparently Dennis, you did not read all of my suggestions. Please do so when you have time. How do you know so much about the counselling system at Saucon? Why dont you inform everyone on patch, so we can better understand what is going on in the counselling department. Also, offer some suggestions to the problem, we can use all the help we can get to come up with a proposal for the school.I have not heard you mention anything so far. Putting everyone down is not an answer until you have something to add. I'm sure that alot of those parents also take their kids to outside counselling beside counselling in school, at least that is what I would do, and if the child has problems that bad, there are schools for them to help them with those problems.

Vida, you take things pretty personally. No one put you down, nor did I put anyone else down through this entire thread. And if you bother to look through the thread, I spent some time outlining my thoughts on where problems lie; I did not profess to know solutions to the solution outside of stating several times that I don't think an armed guard or guards is a solution. If I knew solutions to this particular problem, I could become one of the most sought-after consultants in America. Do you have solutions? I've seen lots of ideas that may have merit, but I have seen no solutions. None. Zippo. My experience with the counseling system at Saucon and other schools comes from having personal and professional contact with counselors. We could discuss counseling until the cows come home, but I don't think I'd sway your opinion. You seem pretty set on your notion that emotional issues can be taken care of either at home or through off-campus professionals. Not everyone has the wherewithal to approach their own children on sensitive issues and not everyone has the wherewithal to afford an outside counselor. Schools can offer services, but as I noted, school counselors deal with a myriad of student issues, not just emotional/social support.

continued from above -
Although I'm not a fan of Saucon's high taxes (I pay them), I would support - as I've stated previously - staff counselors whose sole responsibility is emotional/social support.
Now, I don't know where this thread will end, but I'd rather not trade barbs with you or anyone else. If you can't handle me saying that I think you've simplified and isolated a counseling issue, then perhaps you shouldn't be taking part in discussions like this, because something is bound to ruffle your feathers again.

By the way, I made a mistake up above in the 5:47 post. The last word of the third line should be problem, not solutions. This has been fun; let's not spiral downward.

@Dennis Scholl, I think you might be onto something re conselors who are hired to strickly deal with kids with emotional issues. I agree that not everyone can afford private counseling, and frankly, have been in counseling, if you are smart enough you can tell them what they want to hear. A counselor in the school could monitor kids on a daily basis. They can see them more than most parents do and certainly more than a private counselor. I have driven around Hellertown and gone into stores and have seen first hand, kids that probably are in need of counseling. Often times we hear parents say "it's just a fad" or all the kids are dressing like that", but the reality is, when kids start dressing in odd manner it signals something. Maybe they don't feel like they fit in, or maybe they are emulating something they have seen. There are tell tale signs. Certain things that kids gravitate towards, that can take them down the wrong path. Couselors, dedicated to watching and being supported by the rest of the school staff, is a good idea. One that really should be considered. You don't have to put the whole school under police protection, if you can identify and help a kid that might go off the rails. Of course this would only apply to the kids at these schools, some from the outside could always cause the problem.

I wish I knew what to do, but it will take team effort for this kind of a problem to be resolved. If there are that many kids in school that need counselling then that is a problem in itself. Yes, I agree kids should be monitored but how do we know that that is what is being done.
Counselling is a private issue. Do we really know how many kids are getting seen and what for? The answer is no! The only way to eliminate crime within the school, is by scanners that identify what they carry on their person and in their bookbags. This would include the staff as well as anyone else coming into the building.As far as the cooperation from the remainder of the school staff, I sincerely believe they will say, they have their own jobs to do, that does not include counselling the kids, and they do not have the qualifications to care for the kids in that manner, that is why they have counsellors. They need to hire more counsellors if the problem is that bad.What do you think? I cannot think of a better way to eliminate weapons in school. Another suggestion might be lockers getting checked on a regular basis. And Dennis, my feathers are not ruffled as you say, I am giving suggestions like everyone else. Sorry, if I offended you.Please do not make accusations anymore. That sort of thing will ruffle anyone's feathers.

Peace

Peace to you too, Dennis and have a good day!

It is definitely a great expense. Much of this issue may be in how much money the school district can afford to spend? Anyone can see that if a armed guard were in the right place at the right time they may save many children's lives. Another consideration is that knowing there is a armed guard on campus may deter a would-be mass killer. In many cases crimes are prevented because of the foreknowledge of armed persons on the premises. Maybe it is a matter of what is best to spend the money on? Of course sports are a great advantage, but what about limiting games "away", would that help to pay for a armed guard? I am sure that on paper bollards at entrances are a good idea. Have there been any deaths due to lack of bollards?

Everyone's opinions on this subject will not help if more is not done for the school to realize just how serious the problem is, and there needs to be a compromise. The way I see it, if we all wait to bring this up to the school district, it might be, God forbid too late. As someone said in the above comments, some of the district's money is going to unnecessary things, that could wait longer. We the parents of these children, need the questions answered NOW! as to what the school will do to keep our kids safe. Whether we like it or not, some police protection is necessary.