Greeley-Evans board approves student-policy revisions that allow regulated weapons-detection at large events

The Weld County School District 6 Board of Education voted 5-0 on Sept. 8 to approve revisions to the district’s student policies, including new language that directs the chief of safety and security to develop regulations for the use of weapons- and metal-detection systems at district events.

Board members emphasized that the policy change is intended to allow limited use of detection systems at specific large events, not to install permanent walk‑through metal detectors in every school building. The board’s discussion followed public comment raising safety concerns at one high school.

Why it matters: the policy change formally authorizes staff to create rules for the use of detection equipment and codifies practices — including handheld “wanding” — that some schools have already used. District officials said use would require additional staffing and training and that implementation decisions would involve more dialogue with parents, staff and the board.

During discussion, Director Campos Spitzley asked for clarity about the new language in policy JIH, “Student Interviews, Searches, and Arrests,” and whether it signaled a districtwide plan to install metal detectors. Dr. Michael Pilch, the superintendent, replied that the new language directs the chief of safety and security, Wade Corless, to develop regulations and that the district had seen an increase in weapons in the community over the last three years, though specific incident data was not provided at the meeting. Pilch said the district expects to reserve detection systems for “large events” and would not place stand‑up metal detectors at all school entrances without further board discussion and community input.

Pilch and other staff also told the board that staffing and cost are material considerations: operating many detection points normally requires at least one armed security officer per checkpoint, and the district would need to budget for that if it ever chose to use permanent stations. Staff said handheld wands are already used at some schools and that anyone operating detection equipment would receive training and follow the district’s search and student‑safety policies.

Public comment: Michelle Selgren, who identified herself as a parent and resident, described ongoing safety problems at Greeley West High School, including assaults, theft, students smoking in classrooms and bathrooms, and what she described as inconsistent responses from security staff and the school resource officer. Selgren said she had raised concerns with school staff and did not feel those concerns had been taken seriously. Her remarks were submitted during the meeting’s public‑comment period.

What the board directed: the board approved the policy language as presented and gave staff authority to draft implementing regulations. Board members and staff said substantial community engagement would precede any site‑level decision to use detection devices.

What was not said: district officials did not offer specific counts of weapons incidents at the meeting; when asked, Pilch deferred to the chief of safety and security for incident data. The board did not vote to deploy metal detectors at any particular school on Sept. 8.

Outlook: the policy revision creates a formal pathway for the district to adopt weapons‑detection regulations for limited circumstances. Any future operational steps — including costs, locations, or routine use — will require further staff proposals and community discussion, the board said.