School Board Wants to See Security Enhancement Plans

Last week Saucon Valley School Board members stopped short of approving full funding for several recommended security enhancements proposed for the district's schools, but the board unanimously voted to authorize the drawing of plans for sets of "man-trap" doors and a new videocamera system that would be installed at the high school.

The plans are to be drawn up by The Architectural Studio (TAS).

Superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin said the man-trap doors—which could "trap" someone intent on causing havoc in a foyer-type area—could provide the district's staff with precious seconds to call for help by slowing down an intruder.

"Can they shoot out the windows? Yes. We all know that’s what happened in Connecticut," she acknowledged.

However, the doors could be a "deterrent" and would at least slow a potential intruder down, she said.

Board member Lanita Lum questioned another proposed security measure—bollards—which she called an "extreme" idea.

"Bollards do seem a little odd...(until) you start researching the world of possibilities," Fellin responded.

She said bollards could help protect students if a car would ever accidentally jump a curb, for example.

Ultimately, "safety...is not a cure," Fellin emphasized.

The district's Supervisor of Operations, Wally Zimpfer, added that bollards were recommended in a police audit of school district security.

The estimated cost for the installation of the man-trap doors is $140,000 and the estimated cost for the high school surveillance system upgrades is $3,100.