Norwin to restrict public access to school facilities to improve student safety

Norwin will close public access to its campuses on school days to improve student safety, the district announced.

Only people with legitimate school business will be admitted to buildings and recreational facilities.

The public will be prohibited from using the track or other recreation facilities from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. The policy, which takes effect March 1, is being implemented on the advice of North Huntingdon police and emergency officials, the district said.

“In recent years, many people have enjoyed walking, jogging or other forms of recreation or exercise on the Norwin campus and on the Norwin property,” the district said.

Under the revised policy, school grounds will be open to the public from 5 to 7 a.m. and from 4:30 to 11 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session. School facilities will be open to the public from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Playgrounds close at dusk.

The public, however, cannot use the football field, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, putting green, gymnasiums, swimming pool and fitness centers when Norwin sports teams or school-approved events are using those facilities, the district said.

Facilities will be open to the public from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the summer when not used by school teams or events, said Brian Carlton, school board president.

The school board adopted the police in November. But administrators needed time to develop a communication plan as well as signage for the change, Carlton said.

The district will detail the policy in a quarterly magazine that is mailed to all Norwin households in mid-March, the district said.