School Board discusses security upgrades including metal detectors at 2 Rivers campus

Concerns over the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program and campus safety took center stage during the recent government meeting in Utah. Parents voiced mixed feelings about the DLI program, with some expressing dissatisfaction over its implementation at the junior high level. One parent highlighted that many families were unaware of the DLI offerings in the district, suggesting a need for better communication to new parents. The sentiment was clear: “You either love it or you hate it,” indicating a divide that school officials must address to ensure the program meets community needs.

On another front, the discussion shifted to security challenges at the 2 Rivers campus, identified as one of the district's most problematic locations. The principal outlined pressing safety concerns, including the proximity to a jail and issues with homeless individuals wandering onto school grounds. To combat these challenges, the district is prioritizing the installation of an audio enhancement system with panic alert capabilities and a weapons detection system, including a metal detector at the main entrance.

The proposal includes hiring an armed private security officer to manage the metal detector, with costs estimated between $50,000 to $60,000 annually. This initiative aims to enhance safety for students and staff amid rising concerns about violence and crime in the community. As the district moves forward, officials are committed to piloting these security measures at 2 Rivers, with hopes of expanding successful strategies to other campuses in the future.