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Candidates differ on weapons-detection pilot but agree on prevention and mental-health supports
Summary
At the SMOB debate, one finalist supported the district's noninvasive weapons-detection pilot while others emphasized prevention through mental-health supports and conflict-resolution education.
Annapolis, Md. — School safety drew pointed discussion at the April 21 SMOB debate. Candidates agreed student safety is critical but differed in emphasis between immediate technological measures and long‑term prevention through mental‑health and community-building programs.
Michelle Fadel said she supports the noninvasive weapons-detection pilot the district is considering for high schools, arguing that students must feel safe in order to learn. “No student should ever feel unsafe walking in school,” Fadel said, describing school security technologies as part of a broader approach.
Jack Warwick said he is not opposed to noninvasive detection but urged stronger focus on prevention and services that address root causes. “Weapons detection systems are great, but they are a huge budgetary item,” Warwick said. “We need to get into schools early and really prevent this kind of conflict from ever escalating.”
Braden Morgan tied school safety to mental-health investment and prevention programs; he urged greater awareness of existing county programs and more student participation in them so the district can identify what to scale or improve.
None of the candidates provided technical specifications for detection technology, enrollment thresholds or cost estimates; those details remain district decisions outside the debate. Candidates repeatedly linked short‑term measures to the need for more counselors, peer supports and early conflict-resolution curricula as complementary approaches.
