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: 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. 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 …

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Armed Guards in Saucon Schools Opposed by Resident

In a recent letter to the editor, Hellertown resident Dennis Scholl said he opposes a Saucon Valley School District proposal to consider hiring an armed security officer.

POLL: Should Saucon Hire an Armed Guard?

In the wake of recent school shootings, should the Saucon Valley School District hire an armed officer to help keep students safe?

Further reading: Let Teachers Carry Guns, Say 2 Pa. Lawmakers Armed Guard in Schools is a Bad Idea [Letter] NRA Says Saucon Valley School Should Have Armed Guards NRA: Put Armed Security in Every School Now

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Letters to the Editor

Armed Guard in Schools is a Bad Idea [Letter]

Hellertown resident Dennis Scholl says he opposes a Saucon Valley School District proposal to spend more than $125,000 on hiring an armed officer as a school security measure.

To the Editor, I read today ("Saucon Valley to Consider Placing Armed Officer on Campus," The Morning Call, Feb. 13, 2013) that Saucon Valley School District is contemplating the addition of an armed guard at its Polk Valley Road campus. The officer would cost the district $126,000, according to school board member, Ralph Puerta. An additional $3,100 would be required to install a new lock system and surveillance cameras at school entrances. Another $17,000 would be required to install bollards at entrances, to prevent forcible vehicular entry into the schools. These security measures will be considered as the board weighs the 2013-2014 budget. Total expenditure on the three security items is $146,100. I'd like to go on public record (and …

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