Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident raises safety concerns about locked back gate; superintendent says Knox‑box and protocols are in place
Summary
A public commenter told the board EMTs were blocked by a locked Halterman Road gate; Superintendent Doctor Gallagher said 911 directs responders to a lower‑road entrance and the district is installing a Knox box so responders can unlock the back gate if needed.
A Souderton resident urged the school board Jan. 22 to address access to the Halterman Road back gate at the high school after saying emergency medical technicians encountered a locked gate during a wrestling event. "Are we waiting for a tragedy before a plan is created? Your number one job is safety," the commenter said.
Superintendent Doctor Gallagher responded that a traffic study is underway with the township engineer and described the gate’s current configuration: two locks on a chain—one general padlock used by district staff and one Knox‑box padlock that will be accessible only to first responders. He said athletic staff confirmed responders used the lower‑road entrance the night of the event and that 911 protocols direct calls to that designated entrance.
The superintendent said the district is considering more permanent options and that the Knox‑box will ensure first responders have keyed access. He asked the public to stay tuned for updates as the district finalizes the traffic‑study parameters and coordination with Franconia Township and emergency services.
Next steps: administration will continue work with the township engineer, pursue a Knox‑box installation for responder access, and bring proposals for a permanent solution to the board and relevant partners.
