HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Hollidaysburg Area School Board announced a change in policy that closes all district grounds and facilities to public use during school hours, citing a new security recommendation from the Pennsylvania State Police.

Prior to the Wednesday night board meeting, members of the public were free to use district facilities such as tennis courts, trails and the track at Tiger Stadium during the morning, afternoon and evening.

This policy applies to the main campus in Hollidaysburg, as well as at Frankstown and Foot of Ten elementary schools.

According to Superintendent Curtis Whitesel, the district is required to periodically conduct Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Team (RVAT) assessments through PSP, who give recommendations for security practices.

“State Police reported to us that our open campus policy is very dangerous for schools and not very secure,” Whitesel said.

Whitesel noted that the district was more strict with public use of its facilities in years past, but that it had “gotten away from” that approach over time.

“For the safety of our students and staff we are going to be diligent about keeping our campus closed to the public during school hours,” he said.

The senior and junior high campus will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the elementary schools’ grounds will be closed from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m.

District facilities will be open for public use in the evenings after school, on weekends and during holiday breaks.

The new hours are effective immediately, Whitesel said, and the district will update appropriate signage as soon as the new signs are delivered.

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.