Frontier board approves Evolv screening at indoor events; district to notify public before rollout

The Frontier Central School District board agreed Wednesday to begin using Evolv weapons-detection screenings at indoor athletic events and other large indoor gatherings after a presentation from district leaders and athletics staff.

Superintendent Christopher J. Swiatek told the board the district plans to notify the public at least 14 to 20 days before the screening begins so families know what to expect and can make attendance decisions. "Give us a minimum of 2 weeks — at least 2 Falcon update cycles, at least a couple of postings on a web page," Swiatek said, describing the planned public-information push.

Why it matters: Board members framed the change as an additional layer of security for students, staff and visitors. The screenings rely on Evolv’s systems to flag potential threats; staff then conduct targeted checks on flagged zones rather than full searches of every visitor.

How the screenings will work: District officials described the process in detail. If the Evolv system flags an area on a person’s body, the operator sees a red box on an iPad indicating the location of the perceived threat; the operator then asks the person to allow inspection of that specific area. Swiatek and board members said that routine enforcement of the district’s tobacco-free policy means tobacco products, including vapes, would not be allowed into buildings. The board also discussed accommodations for people with disabilities and for elderly visitors.

Board-level discussion and support: Trustees voiced broad support. Board member Ciccarelli said safety measures used during the school day should apply at events. Another trustee compared the step to security screening at other public venues and supported giving families notice. Swiatek asked athletics staff to use team/coach parent meetings as an additional channel to inform visiting families. "That is one more thing that maybe the coaches can play in at those meetings," a trustee said.

Operational and equity questions raised: Trustees asked for details on staffing and crowd flow. Members expressed a desire to ensure staff or volunteers performing screening are trained and that procedures will not create unreasonable delays for attendees. Athletic staff said large events tend to have staggered arrivals that reduce bottlenecks; the district also plans to provide disability access and alternate screening options.

Procurement and related contract: The board approved an agreement with InkLABS Buffalo LLC to provide professional services and software support for the district’s Evolv systems from Aug. 24, 2025, through June 30, 2026, at a cost of $14,585. The motion to approve the InkLABS contract was moved by Mr. Ciccarelli and seconded by Mr. Corteier and was carried by voice vote.

Rollout timing: Superintendent Swiatek said secondary schools (middle and high school) will begin the early notifications first, followed by elementary schools and the Falcon Center for large concerts and events as additional Evolv units are procured. "We'll drill it down into our elementary schools for our larger musical events and, give us about 14 to 20 days to properly notify the community and it'll be underway," he said.

What the district will communicate: Officials said messaging will explain what the system detects, how flagged individuals are handled, that the district remains a tobacco-free campus, and what accommodations are available. Coaches will be asked to preview the process with families at team or parent meetings.

Ending: The board authorized the operational steps needed to begin screening at indoor events. The district will post notices on its web page, in the Falcon update, and through school communications before the procedure is in effect.