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Perkiomen Valley SD committee discusses school‑safety training, cameras and campus improvements
Summary
Committee members reviewed situational training in Mechanicsburg, continued AED distribution, a pending $190,000 camera grant, and facility assessment recommendations including bollards and improved signage; the district is exploring a PennDOT‑linked crosswalk near the high school.
Chief Miller told the committee the district is exploring situational, school‑based training in Mechanicsburg and would pay daytime transportation and meals for staff, calling it “about the most realistic training that you can provide in a school environment.”
The district is continuing AED distribution and said it is investigating a proposed crosswalk near the high school that would tie into a county trail; officials said PennDOT is the agency responsible for changes on the state highway and PennDOT engineering has been asked to review the proposal. Chief Miller said, “there's a chance for us to tie into the trail,” and that township and district engineers would coordinate on questions about ownership and long‑term maintenance.
Chief Miller reported an outstanding state grant request of about $190,000 for camera upgrades and additional coverage; he said the funds were promised as part of a program and the district is waiting for the state to release them. He noted that several cameras are already online and that the district will use grant funds to upgrade or add coverage where needed.
Citing a county facility assessment, Chief Miller summarized recommended physical improvements: bollards at building entry points to prevent vehicle breaches, clearer directional signage for visitors, removal of vegetation to improve sight lines, and changes to vehicular access at some buildings (including an option for a loop road to improve parent pickup and bus traffic at South Elementary). “Each of our buildings could stand some improvement in that regard,” he said.
The report also identified gaps in camera coverage and other site safety measures; district staff said they will work through assessment items one at a time and bring specific proposals to the board as they develop. The update closed with staffing notes about security personnel (see separate article on staffing and operations).
