Updated Safety and Security Procedures for GMSD Stadium

Hello Governor Mifflin School District Community:

We thank you for your patience as we navigated the events of the past several days. Since the incident which occurred at Friday night’s football game, we have spent a great deal of time working with our administrative team, athletics department, Safe Schools team, and local law enforcement to reflect on the events which occurred and determine the best path forward when it comes to safety and security at these types of events. 

Effective immediately, the following procedures will be implemented for all sporting events occurring in our stadium:

• Attendees may only enter the stadium through the GMACC entrance gate (located on Waverly St.) or the entrance from the Governor Mifflin Middle School parking lot (located off of School Ln.) These entry points are located at either end of the stadium. The Brobst St. entrance and the entrance located by the pole barn (between GMACC and the Multipurpose Field) will only be used as emergency exits. A staff member will be present at these stations at all times. No re-entry will be permitted.
   

• The only bags that will be permitted are as follows, and all bags will be subject to search:

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12” W x 12” H x 6” D

  • One gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)

  • Small clutch bag approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag

  • Clear diaper bags

• Full face coverings and costumes will not be permitted, except for medical masks or religious face coverings.
   

• No weapons or outside food or beverage may be brought into the stadium.
   

• No smoking or vaping is permitted in the stadium or on school grounds
   

• All administrators, security personnel, coaches, and key staff members will be provided a radio to monitor communications and relay important information. An administrator or staff member of the opposing team will also be provided a radio to inform them of any emergent situations and support communications to visiting students, staff, and spectators.

For the game occurring this Friday, September 4, 2026, we have been in contact with both Shillington Police and Cumru Township Police. Shillington Police has agreed to dedicate an officer to the game and Cumru Township Police will aim to provide game support as needed. These officers are in addition to our School Police Officers. Moving forward, we will contract with a new security company, which is on the School Board Agenda for September 14, 2026. 

Finally, the cannon, which is typically set off when the home team scores, will not be utilized for the remainder of the 2026-2027 football season. While we understand that this is a beloved tradition, we feel that the noise created by the cannon could be unnerving in light of recent events.

I want to thank our community for giving us the time to thoughtfully work through these considerations, review our existing procedures, and implement new procedures in order to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff, and broader community. Please note that these procedures will also be implemented and adapted to support other large scale events throughout the year and in different venues on campus. 

Thank you,

Dr. Lisa Hess
Superintendent
Governor Mifflin School District