Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Waukegan board approves purchase of eight open‑gate metal detectors for extracurricular events
Summary
The Waukegan CUSD 60 Board of Education approved buying eight open‑gate metal detectors for middle‑ and high‑school events at a total cost of $162,696 after discussion about warranties and detection settings.
The Waukegan CUSD 60 Board of Education voted to purchase eight open‑gate metal detectors for use at school extracurricular events, approving a $162,696 expenditure that includes storage, transport cases and stabilizing plates.
Board members discussed warranty and service coverage for the devices before the vote. Director Wilson said the district bought directly from the manufacturer and “there is a manufacturer's warranty,” but he did not have the warranty details at the meeting and said he would follow up with specifics on service or maintenance coverage.
Board members also asked about what the detectors could sense. Director Wilson said the devices have adjustable settings: at the level proposed they are being used to screen for weapons of mass destruction but the district can lower sensitivity to detect smaller metal objects, such as bait pins, if needed.
Several board members framed the purchase as a response to safety concerns at school events. One board member described the units as less intrusive than airport‑style magnetometers, noting they are small towers people walk past and that the devices will alert staff if an item is detected. Another member urged caution on spending, saying nearly $163,000 could be used elsewhere, but acknowledged safety concerns.
The motion passed on a roll call vote with the board president announcing the item approved and the motion carried.
The board directed staff to provide warranty and service‑contract details at a later meeting.
