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District to add eight ‘open gate’ metal detectors; board debates trade-offs between security and student experience
Summary
Waukegan plans to purchase eight additional open-gate metal detectors for school and event use; board members pressed staff about battery options, placement, and training to reduce negative impacts on students.
Waukegan CUSD 60 will order eight additional “open gate” metal detectors and expand their use in stadiums, middle-school backpack checks and at events, district staff told the board on Feb. 18 — a decision that prompted discussion about student experience, racialized impacts and staff training.
Director Wilson said four units already stationed at Wisefield have worked well; the plan is to keep those stationary and deploy new units to middle and high schools and community-event locations. Board members asked why battery packs were not included for outdoor use; Wilson said batteries can be purchased at local hardware stores to reduce cost and cited prior community feedback that the open-gate poles are less imposing than full walk-through units.
Trustees debated whether additional metal-detection measures criminalize students or meaningfully improve safety. Several members noted the devices are common at sports venues and said screening techniques and staff conduct determine whether the experience is stigmatizing. Director Wilson said the district is emphasizing sensitivity training for staff who staff entry points and that staff are working on climate and greeting practices to reduce antagonism.
No vote was required at the meeting; staff said the purchase will proceed per the operational schedule and that training and deployment plans will continue to be refined.
