North Scott board approves fence at Allen Shepherd after safety review, 5–2

The North Scott Community School District board approved installation of a perimeter fence and gated access at Allen Shepherd on Oct. 14, voting 5–2 to move forward with the project.

Board members and staff said the fence was recommended after a law‑enforcement safety review and would provide controlled daytime access while remaining open to the public outside school hours. Staff estimated the installation cost at roughly $30,000, depending on final gate structures and configuration. The proposal includes two gated exit points to balance access and supervision.

Proponents noted the fence would improve supervision of playground and field areas, reduce the risk of children accessing nearby roadways and provide a defined boundary for students during recess and arrival/dismissal times. One board member said the layout was chosen to capture the school’s primary usable outdoor area while keeping major play fields available for older students.

Opponents raised concerns that enclosing portions of the grounds would reduce open play space and asked the district to confirm emergency‑egress procedures so students would not be corralled during a building evacuation. The board said all other building exits would remain outside the fenced area so evacuation routes would not be restricted.

The board approved the measure after discussion and committed to returning with final bid details, gate specifications and a recommendation for whether a pop‑type gate allowing teacher access during the day would be installed. The motion passed by recorded voice vote, announced in meeting minutes as 5 in favor and 2 opposed.