Davidson County officials, school board debate AI-powered school-safety pilot and vendor terms

Davidson County commissioners and school board officials spent more than two hours debating a state-funded AI school-safety pilot on Jan. 27, pressing for clearer vendor oversight, long-term cost estimates and public engagement before any final approvals.

The dispute centers on a pilot program in state legislation that would provide $2,000,000 to Davidson County schools and $3,000,000 to New Hanover County for a “school safety solution” using camera-based AI and related equipment. Vice Chairman Heather Yates said the school board asked to move the item to a January 21 meeting for discussion rather than an immediate vote; she told commissioners the January action was “not for vote. It was for discussion along with the calendar.”

Commissioners and residents questioned language in the bill that requires participating public school units to contract with the same vendor, with the vendor to be determined by the first unit that enters into a contract. Commissioner Nick Jarvis and others said the state recommended Evident after a limited RFQ process; several speakers said that requirement effectively limits local choice. Sheriff Ritchie Simmons and Senator Steve Jarvis—both cited in public comment—have supported the pilot at the state level, the board heard.

Proponents and opponents stressed different priorities. Richard Fosman, a local resident, urged the commission to send a formal resolution asking the Davidson County…