Decatur schools expand visitor screening, weapon detection and cybersecurity efforts
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Summary
City Schools of Decatur reported upgrades to visitor‑management (instant background checks), security cameras, vestibule designs, a weapons‑screening rollout at middle/high schools and the Wilson Center, expanded SRO cooperation, and a cybersecurity and AI work plan during the Jan. 13 work session.
City Schools of Decatur presented an annual update for Safety & Technology on Jan. 13, outlining site security, weapons screening, anonymous reporting, and cybersecurity initiatives.
Chief of Safety and Technology Esten Melton briefed the board on several completed and ongoing projects: a visitor‑management system deployed at all schools with instant background checks against sex‑offender registries, upgraded security camera systems with faster footage retrieval, and secure vestibule designs produced with a design‑build partner (LEFCO). Melton noted that inflation and project constraints mean some vestibule projects are likely to exceed available FY26 one‑time grant funding and will require further planning.
Melton described a phased weapon‑screening rollout at the middle and high school campuses and at major extracurricular events. "The weapon screening system operates both as a detector and a deterrent," he said, and reported detections including knives and, in some instances, firearms carried by licensed adults to extracurricular events.
The district has also revised its MOU with the City of Decatur for school resource officers; city leadership advised two SROs for the high school. The board was told SROs enhance on‑campus relationships and provide rapid law‑enforcement coordination.
On the technology front, Melton reported large device and infrastructure refreshes (staff and student devices replaced within two years), deployment of new network switches and a reengineered Wi‑Fi environment, and a plan to adopt CIS Controls for cybersecurity maturity. The district is deploying an anonymous reporting tool provided by Sandy Hook Promise and is rolling out violence‑prevention supports required by statute.
Melton also briefed the board on early work on generative AI principles and administrative guidance for employee AI use and said staff will gather student voice as policy development continues.
Next steps: staff will present additional guidance on grant use for vestibule projects, timelines for infrastructure rollouts, and student‑centered AI policy work to the board at future meetings.