Mister Stone, who said he has been a licensed bail bondsman for more than 20 years, urged the Pittsylvania County School Board on Jan. 13 to adopt stronger security measures at school sporting events and other public functions, including mandatory metal-detector screening at entrances.

Stone told the board he regularly attends local high-school games and has observed people he previously bonded walking unhindered into gymnasiums carrying large jackets and bags. "You sit right here. I don't want you moving," he said, describing personal concern for patrons' safety. He argued that today's youth are different from prior generations and that increased gang violence and social-media disputes make unscreened public entrances riskier.

The board thanked Stone for the comment. Chairman Shields said the district takes student and staff safety seriously and noted that Dr. Moon was already conducting related investigative work. The superintendent and staff did not announce a specific timeline or funding source for any screening program during the meeting.

Stone proposed that an "immediate action" could start with closer attention to gates and controlled entry at events, while acknowledging funding constraints. He suggested that if courthouses and airports require screening, schools should consider comparable measures to protect students and families. The board did not vote or direct staff to adopt a districtwide metal-detector policy at the Jan. 13 meeting; members said they would follow up and that some investigative work was already underway.

Next steps: board members acknowledged the concern and indicated staff follow-up; no formal policy change, purchase order or contract was approved at this meeting.