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Board approves first read of metal-detector policy, asks staff to evaluate placement and additional detectors
Summary
After discussion about interference, placement, and grant funds to buy more units, the board approved the metal-detector policy on first read and asked staff to evaluate compatibility and whether additional detectors funded by a safety grant should be procured.
Caswell County Schools’ board approved a first reading of a proposed policy and procedure for school metal detectors after extended discussion about placement, interference in older buildings and the availability of grant money to buy additional units.
Administrators said detector placement is typically left to principals because of differing building layouts; board members described examples where units were placed inside front offices and created choke points, and they raised concerns about detectors being triggered repeatedly by building infrastructure in older schools. Staff said technicians have been troubleshooting detectors at Oakwood and Stone Creek.
Board members suggested several follow-up steps: test existing detector models in trouble-prone schools to see if another device type would perform better in older buildings; evaluate using grant funds (safety grant) to buy additional detectors for schools with limited equipment; and rework policy language to clarify expectations for sports-event security and the district’s clear-bag guidance for spectators.
On a formal motion the board approved the policy for a first reading and directed staff to return with recommendations, including whether additional detectors should be ordered and how to address technology compatibility at specific schools.
