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Board hears proposal to install five walk-through metal detectors at elementary schools
Summary
District safety staff proposed buying five walk-through metal detectors for Wilkins and Turtle Creek elementary schools in a bundled school package price; administrators said devices are primarily for visitor screening and recommended staged rollout with parent and student orientation.
Woodland Hills safety staff asked the committee Wednesday to approve procurement of five walk-through metal detectors for district elementary schools, describing the devices as the same model already used at the district—s middle and high schools.
Pedro (last name not provided) told the committee the district solicited the same vendor used at higher-grade buildings and that buying five units together qualified the district for a school-package discount and battery/transportation benefits. The quote cited roughly $33,955 per unit and a bundled savings of about $1,500 because of the multi-device purchase, staff said.
Committee members asked whether students would be required to pass through detectors, how bag inspections would be handled and how the district planned to introduce the devices to young children. Staff said the detectors would be placed at entrances and primarily used for visitors; building staff would continue to perform bag inspections when warranted, and administrators plan age-appropriate assemblies and parent communications to explain the new procedures.
Administrators recommended phasing the rollout and offering instruction to students and parents so the implementation is not a surprise. Staff said the units would be available for immediate use once purchased and recommended a gradual introduction across the elementary buildings.
Why it matters: The devices would change daily entry procedures at elementary schools and raise questions about visitor flow, staff responsibilities and communication to families. No vote was recorded; staff will return with procurement details for board approval.
