USD 475 board approves weapons-detection systems for secondary campuses, approves pilot

The USD 475 Board approved the purchase and four years of support for a mass-throughput weapons-detection system for its secondary campuses after a staff presentation and board discussion.

Mr. DeArmond (presenting staff) described proposals for three-lane throughput at Junction City High School and two-lane systems at Junction City Middle School and Fort Riley Middle School. Presenters said the systems use radio-frequency sensing ("it's not an x-ray") and will flag the approximate location of an alert on a tablet; operators can then direct a secondary inspection. Presenters said the sensitivity is adjustable, the systems are movable for events and athletic contests, and that laptops and umbrellas commonly trigger alerts unless students follow procedures (e.g., hold laptops overhead).

Staff said districts such as Wichita Public Schools use similar systems and that an initial rollout can create bottlenecks; strategies to reduce congestion include staggered bus arrivals and student training. The presentation proposed a second-semester pilot at select sites to test placement and operations.

Trustee discussion focused on student flow, privacy and search protocols. A board member asked if alert verification or pat-downs were required; staff replied that existing search guidelines and training for hall monitors would be applied, and that operators would perform non-invasive verification steps before further action.

A trustee moved to approve purchasing the weapons-detection systems and four years of support at an approximate total of $472,770 to be paid upon receipt from IGSA proceeds; the motion was seconded and carried on a recorded voice vote (motion carries 6-0). Staff said pilots and principal input will guide any later placement changes.

The board directed staff to proceed with implementation planning, including pilot schedules, training and logistics for morning arrival procedures.