Schools

Readers React to SVSD's Car Key Security Proposal

One proposed way to improve security in Saucon Valley schools is to have all visitors leave their car keys at the school office when they sign in for a visit. Visitors would also need to show ID.

Additional school security measures that are now under review by the Saucon Valley School District have local residents talking, and most Patch readers had positive things to say about the proposals when asked on our Facebook page.

The measures were discussed at a Feb. 26 school board meeting, and according to a Morning Call article published Feb. 27 the proposals include:

  • A requirement that all visitors turn in their car keys when signing in at a school office. Visitors would also be required to show ID and state the reason for their visit after being buzzed in to a school.
  • All new volunteers and chaperones would have to undergo FBI and state criminal background checks, as well as receive a child abuse clearance, at their own expense (estimated at $48.75).

The rationale for the car key proposal is that it could help prevent a rapid getaway in the event that a visitor committed a crime on school grounds.

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Earlier this year, a proposal to hire an armed security guard to patrol the school district campus in Lower Saucon Township drew mixed reviews, in part because of an estimated price tag of more than $180,000.

When asked about the latest proposals, as well as whether they've been asked to leave keys at a school office, here's a sampling of what readers said on Facebook:

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*Stephanie Wright Young: "IDs and keys are a fantastic idea!"

*Kimberly Mindler Mayer: "Never been asked in the five years my kids have been in the school district. I'm there at least once a month."

*Maureen A. Shea: "If something is stolen out of the car while keys are with the district, the district takes responsibility 100%, OK!"

*Alicia Kichline: "I agree 100% with all these (proposals)! If something is stolen out of your car while at the school I highly doubt it was anyone from in the school. They have a lot more important things to do than to go out and figure out which car is yours, and then dig through it to see if anything good is in there."

*Joe Fleming: "The last time I checked keys don't hurt people! Pretty damn dumb if you ask me. ... Get with the ages and get security guards..."

*Francine Martin-Swithers: "If someone is up to no good, they could give you someone else's car key...who would know and they would still have access to their car."

*Ana Dunn: "Asking for car keys...is ludicrous. If someone has ill intent upon entering a school, car keys aren't going to stop their actions or prevent their escape. That sounds like short-sighted, reactionary paranoia."

*Star Yardumian: "The key thing has been for at least 4 years....for me I always thought of it as more of a reminder to return the badge!"

What do you think of the school district's car key and background check security proposals? Tell us in the comments section.


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