Perkiomen Valley board weighs $138,003.88 weapons-detection units after safety review

Perkiomen Valley School District officials presented a proposal to purchase two single‑chute weapons‑detection units, telling the board the current invoice is $138,003.88 and that the machines are intended for high‑volume event screening at the district’s stadiums.

Mr. Weaver, who led the presentation, said the vendor estimates the units can screen large crowds quickly and that the devices are designed to detect firearms and pipe bombs (but are not guaranteed to detect knives). He told the board the company had offered an estimated delivery window of two to three weeks after a purchase order and that the single units can be paired to create a double chute when needed. "It's $138,003.88 at the current invoice that we have," Weaver said during the meeting.

Board members raised practical and fiscal concerns. The presiding officer questioned spending on the equipment while the district already owns handheld metal wands and other safety measures, saying, "I think my concern is really that we own wands, and I feel as though this is not a small amount of money." Other members suggested intermediate, lower‑cost steps such as clear‑bag policies, ticket booths, targeted wands or random checks before pursuing an expensive capital purchase.

Operational questions included whether two single units would cover multiple simultaneous events, how quickly the units could be broken down and moved between venues, and how the devices would be staffed and monitored. Administration said units are mobile and roll on wheels but require a crew to move, and that the vendor demonstrated units in similar high‑flow venues. The presenter also said staff would need personnel to view a live screen and conduct follow‑up wand checks if a device produced a detection.

Officials emphasized the decision is not on the agenda for approval that night. The board asked administrators to return with additional diligence, including cost comparisons, operational plans, setup timelines, staff needs, and possible grant funding sources. The board agreed to refer the proposal to the Operations Committee for a more detailed review and for Chief Miller to present middle‑ground, lower‑cost options for immediate implementation.

Next steps: the Operations Committee will study implementation logistics and grant options and present recommendations to the full board at a future meeting.