Santa Clarita residents shared concerns Tuesday about a proposed fence surrounding Valencia Valley Elementary School.

A group, mostly members of the Valencia Central Valley neighborhood, were upset by a proposed fence that administrators argued would make the school safer — while residents felt it would disrupt a seamless property line.

“The district has taken the concern of the residents into account,” said Christy Smith, Newhall School Board president. “We are just trying to keep the students safe.”

The proposed fence was the only discussion item on the May 9 agenda for school district’s governing board. The new border, which was recommended by district staff during a regular review of safety procedures, would encompass the school separating the “seamless” divide between the elementary school and Central Valley Park.

“Valencia Valley sits in the ‘heart’ of the community,” said Smith, who also lives near the school property being discussed. “We don’t want to ruin the seamless transition of the school and the park.”

Smith noted that the safety of students is the No. 1 priority for the district, but they also want to keep the “unique” aspects of the community.

“As a resident of the area, I can appreciate the community space that the park provides,” said Smith. “The park makes this Valencia neighborhood unique.”

The governing board received a recommendation from district staff on how the district can upgrade safety in all schools — including Valencia valley, said Smith.

“We are upgrading security in all of our schools,” she added. “This is just part of an ongoing effort across the district.”

Smith wanted to give Valencia Valley better control on who can enter the campus during and after school hours.

“A fence would give the school one central in-and-out point,” explained Smith. “This gives more control to the school staff on the people that get on school grounds.”

Valencia Valley is equipped with a video camera in the school’s entrance to keep track of who enters the campus, said Smith. 

The district has already partially fenced-off both Meadows and Old Orchard Elementary Schools, according to NSD officials

“The Newhall board is committed to the safety of our students,” said Smith. “We are currently working on a compromise to protect the students while keeping our community unique.”