Parkland School District buildings will no longer be used as polling sites for elections in spring and fall.

Solicitor Steven Miller commented on the decision during the Jan. 15 school board meeting.

“This was an administrative action between the school district and the Lehigh County Board of Elections,” Miller said. “The administration has the authority to terminate the contract.

“The reason is school security. Elections can be volatile. We did not want to have a polling place where children are at school.”

The issue was raised during a public comment period by Matt Schutter, judge of elections at Parkway Manor Elementary School.

“I can understand where you’re coming from, but be more professional and put it up to a vote,” Schutter said.

Miller replied ending the practice did not require a vote, merely an administrative communication to the county.

Clerk of Elections Tim Benyo said he received notification on Nov. 19, 2018, from the district that Parkland would not continue its contract for Election Day polling sites.

In addition to Parkway Manor, Cetronia Elementary School and the administration building were used for voting.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak explained the main issue for opting out of the contract was the safety of students and staff.

Last fall, for the General Election, Sniscak said school was canceled for students but staff were in the buildings for a professional development day.

“This was a safety concern,” Sniscak said. “We gave the county ample time to find a new venue to vote.”

Benyo reported there are no signed contracts at this time to replace the three district sites.

However, 30 days before the next election on May 21, voters will receive a letter indicating their former voting location and the new one to which they will go.