New School Vestibules Could Feature Bullet-Resistant Glass

According to a presentation made to the Saucon Valley School Board by a representative from The Architectural Studio (TAS) Tuesday, a proposed 'man-trap' style vestibule designed as a security enhancement for the elementary and middle schools will feature both laminated safety glass and bullet-resistant glass.

TAS's Andrew Alicandri told the board the bullet-resistant glass would be used to in a window between the vestibule and an area where staff are stationed.

"There’s never going to be free access into the building," he said.

Board members have been discussing security enhancements for Saucon Valley schools since the spring, in light of mass shooting incidents such as the one that took place at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school last December.

Alicandri said the estimated cost for the vestibules is $150,000 to $175,000.

Construction bids for the projects could go out in early to mid-October, he said.

If that timeline is followed, work on the vestibules could commence in early or mid-December, which would allow for some of the necessary demolition to occur over the holiday break.

The school board is expected to vote on whether or not to approve the work at its next meeting, which will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the high school Audion room.