Parish committee approves seven metal detectors for Heman High after procurement questions

The Tangipahoa Parish Capital Outlay Committee voted to approve the administration’s recommendation to purchase seven metal detectors for Heman High, but several board members pressed staff to confirm pricing and equipment performance before final purchase.

The board heard from Mister Michael Kyles, who introduced the request and described the plan to use pairs of stand‑alone detectors to speed student intake and reduce wanding. Committee members raised concerns about procurement: a board member noted market prices ranging from about $2,500 to $100,000 per unit and asked whether the district was paying a state contract price or buying sole‑source equipment.

A member expressed caution about committing capital outlay funds for equipment that may not perform as hoped and suggested consulting an experienced purchaser or local law enforcement to verify value. The administration said the quoted delivery timeline was two to four weeks and that the requested detectors would match equipment already in use on campus.

After discussion, a motion to approve the administration’s recommendation — with a committal to conduct a double‑check review before December — was made and recorded by the clerk. The motion was moved by Mister Westmoreland and seconded by Mister Piazza; roll call votes recorded multiple “Yes” responses and the motion carried.

The committee did not specify a single vendor in the public discussion; members asked staff to provide comparative quotes and recommended a brief vetting step with someone experienced in school security equipment prior to final purchase.

The committee moved on to the next agenda items following the recorded vote.