School fence controversy brewing in Tredyffrin Twp.

WAYNE, Pa. (WPVI) -- Some parents in Chester County are upset about a plan to place fences around several elementary schools there.

The Orskulaks walk the perimeter of their hilly property, which sits adjacent to Hillside Elementary School, where they have children in attendance.

They are not happy with local school district plans to put up 5-foot tall chain link industrial-style fences around the vast school grounds - an added security measure the Tredyffrin-Easttown School Board says.

Denise Orsulak says, "My daughter goes to school here and I don't understand what a 5-foot fence is going to do to help keep her more safe."

Chris Orsulak tells us, "I don't understand what additional security this fence will provide. And that's what we're told, that this fence is a security measure."

Jill Clement, another Hillside School parent, lives on the other side of the school property. The district will soon install a fence right in front of her 6-foot wooden barrier, all in the name of security.

"Their intention is safety, which I'm totally for," Clement said. "I'm not sure that fencing in the parking lot and not completely fencing in the playground is really the best security measure."

The school district is spending $220,000 to put up perimeter fences at five local elementary schools. This after a security consultant recommended it and the local police department said it supported all reasonable measures.

Art McDonnell from the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District explains, "We were told by local law enforcement that slowing down an unwanted visitor to the property is key. The longer you delay someone on the property, the more time they have to respond."

Construction on the fences is scheduled to begin later this month, the day after school lets out for the summer.