The Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a contract amendment to expand Evolv weapons-detection systems into middle schools, using a $1.3 million state safety grant to support the initial rollout. The vote followed a staff presentation on the district's layered safety strategy and an extended board discussion about student dignity, operational logistics and ongoing funding.

Chief operations officer Maura Sullivan and Chief of Special Projects Mason Bellamy presented the contract amendment and the district's broader security approach, saying the grant permitted an expansion of systems already piloted at several high schools. Sullivan told the board that the district's recent safety grant was "$1,300,000" for MNPS and that the application centered on installing weapons-detection systems in additional campuses. She also said the existing Systems Integration contract allows for expansion of services and products to support the work. Jill Lemond, a representative for the vendor (Evolv, delivered through Motorola in the district's procurement), was present to answer technical questions.

Bellamy described the implementation approach as site-by-site and school-led: placement and staffing will reflect campus operations, arrival patterns and transportation. "That is not the way the partnership works," Bellamy said of a top-down installation; he emphasized principal involvement and training and said the district planned staged rollouts, roughly two systems per week on average, "taking principal feedback, community feedback into consideration."

Board members pressed staff on student experience and future costs. One board member questioned whether middle school students would adapt to the units and whether the devices would be more symbolic than protective; that member said she personally walks through the device daily and noted both positives and concerns. Student board members and other trustees repeatedly urged that implementation preserve student dignity, noting special accommodations for students who use wheelchairs or medical equipment.

Staff answered operational questions with examples from existing sites: the district has already implemented weapons-detection units on some high school campuses and two middle/high co-located campuses, and reported that students at pilot sites have 'in practice' flowed through without substantial delays. Bellamy said the district will begin training and public information sessions before rollout and will not start installations until after fall break to allow preparation and outreach.

On funding, staff described the grant-funded expansion as a pilot; long-term recurring costs have not been secured and will be addressed in future budget planning. Sullivan said the pilot nature means the district will collect operational data and implementation lessons before seeking permanent budget commitments.

The board approved the contract amendment by unanimous voice/hand vote. Member Mayes moved the motion; a vice-chair seconded. The outcome on the record was "passes unanimously 8 to 0," and staff said they will return with operational timelines, communications plans and ongoing budget recommendations.

An ending note: board members and student representatives asked for continued focus on maintaining welcoming school climates and confirmed the district will include training, translation of communications and accommodations as part of the rollout.