Twinsburg High reports use of mobile metal‑detectors, finds vapes and rising PCD incidents

Twinsburg High School administrators updated the board on metal‑detection searches and personal communication device (PCD) incidents at the district's April 2 meeting.

Principal Emily Hunt and Dean of Students (Mr.) Salter described a shift from whole‑building wanding to mobile “open gate” towers and classroom‑level searches intended to reduce lost instructional time. Hunt said the school conducted 11 targeted searches between Jan. 30 and March 17 and that the use of portable open‑gate detectors typically costs an individual class “no more than 8 to 10 minutes.”

Data presented to the board The district presented weekly detector alert counts and disciplinary outcomes. Mr. Salter reported that in the second quarter the detectors generated about 63 alerts per week; the district recorded four suspensions in quarter two and more in quarter three. Quarter three data showed that detector alerts dropped somewhat while suspensions rose to seven; in both quarters the district conducted more than 10 student searches. The high school reported one vape confiscation during searches; the student received discipline per the student handbook.

Administrators said searches often reveal inhalers and over‑the‑counter medications. Hunt said the school has streamlined procedures for verifying health plans, notifying nurses and contacting families. “We haven't found anything that is of concern [weapons],” she said, “but we have found inhalers… some students have self carry.” She added that when over‑the‑counter medications are found the district has begun disposing of them if they lack proper authorization.

PCD (cell phone) policy and incidents District staff also presented PCD discipline trends tied to board policy 51.36 on personal communication devices. The report shows more PCD incidents this year than last as tracking has become more specific; the presentation listed roughly 11 incidents at RB Chamberlain Middle School and about 22–23 incidents at Twinsburg High School for the quarters reviewed. Administrators said the state is also reviewing PCD policy and the district will continue to monitor and update local policy and enforcement.

Operational notes and impacts Hunt described operational adjustments that reduced instructional loss: shifting from whole‑school wanding, which previously consumed an hour for the entire building, to classroom searches and random mobile detector use that take minutes per class. Clear backpacks and a classroom‑by‑classroom protocol (teacher remains in room while bags are checked) were cited as efficiency measures.

Board action There was no vote on metal detectors or PCD policy at the April 2 meeting; administrators said the items remain operational priorities and will return for further discussion if the board requests policy updates.

Ending Administrators asked the board for continued support as they refine search schedules and communications with families. The presentation flagged health‑plan updates, clear‑backpack use and continued data collection as immediate follow‑ups.