Board directs staff to study feasibility of metal detectors for middle schools after safety concerns

The board debated a motion from Dr. Holness to install metal detectors in all district middle schools after recent safety incidents. Dr. Holness said he moved that implementation begin in the 2026-27 school year with full completion by 2027; the motion prompted discussion of cost, staffing and alternatives.

Staff and security officials said cost and staffing are the largest drivers. Chief Mike Gregory, director of school safety, told the board that a rough order-of-magnitude cost for equipment and the staff to manage metal detection at middle schools was "approximately 9 to $10,000,000 between equipment and the staffing to support that equipment at those schools." Staff also warned that middle schools have fewer on-campus security staff compared with high schools and that per-site staffing needs must be calculated.

Several board members suggested additional or alternative layers of protection (AI-enabled cameras, random screening, K9s) and asked for a comparative analysis of approaches. Dr. Holness revised his motion to direct the superintendent to bring back information on the feasibility, costs, staffing needs and prioritized implementation for metal detectors and other potential security layers. The revised motion also asked that staff include school-level data (SERS/security risk assessments) to show which schools may need prioritized attention.

The board approved the directive unanimously. Staff committed to returning with cost estimates, staffing plans and implementation timelines to help the board weigh metal detection against other security measures.