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School system seeks committee approval to buy metal detectors for all schools; committee approves pending Board of Education vote
Summary
Rutherford County Schools proposed purchasing weapons detection metal detectors for all K–12 schools, estimated one‑time cost between $2 million and $2.5 million including training; the committee approved forwarding the purchase to budget pending school board approval.
Rutherford County Schools presented a proposal on March 25 to purchase weapons‑detection devices (metal detectors) for all county K–12 schools and asked the Health & Education Committee to forward the request to the budget process pending the Board of Education’s approval.
The school director framed the step as reluctant but necessary: "As an educator, that is something, honestly, I never thought that I would ever want in our schools… However, we're to the point that as a director, I want to make sure that our kids are safe, and it is deterrent," Dr. Sullivan said. He said the recommendation is to staff the detectors with the same staff members each day and pay a small stipend rather than hire additional personnel.
Funding sources under consideration include additional state revenue (a performance bonus) and fund balance; the presenter estimated a one‑time cost between $2 million and $2.5 million depending on the number purchased and including training. Committee members voted to approve the funding request to go to budget contingent on school board approval. Roll‑call votes recorded: Commissioner Davidson — Yes; Commissioner Oliver — Aye; Commissioner Wilson — Yes; Commissioner Boyd — Yes; Commissioner McMurray — Yes; Commissioner Gooch — Yes; Chairman Dodd — Yes.
The presenter said the system had discussed the proposal with the sheriff’s office and planned to use existing morning drop‑off rotations for detector staffing. He added the detectors proposed are the same system used in the courthouse. The committee’s approval was conditional: the purchase will proceed to budget only if the Board of Education first approves the school board action.
