Ohio County board approves purchase of two portable metal detector sets for schools

The Ohio County Schools Board of Education voted to approve the purchase of two portable metal detector sets after Superintendent Dr. Miller recommended the equipment for Wheeling Park High School with the ability to move units to other schools as needed.

Dr. Miller presented staff's recommendation and said the district would start with two sets. Board members asked about other vendors and potential sources of reimbursement. "We do get some reimbursement from the state," a staff member said when asked whether grants or state programs could offset the cost.

Board discussion focused on portability and vendor options. A board member asked whether the district would seek state reimbursement; staff replied the district has obtained reimbursements in the past but did not specify an exact percentage for this purchase. The price discussed during the meeting was cited as about $48,430 (staff and board members referenced figures in that range during discussion).

The motion to accept Dr. Miller's recommendation received a first and second; the board approved the purchase by voice vote with "ayes" recorded and no dissent noted. The purchase was listed on the consent agenda and adopted as part of the board's routine approvals.

The board did not record a roll-call tally of individual votes in the transcript. The district said it will pursue available reimbursements and follow procurement rules.

The board also approved the broader consent agenda, which included personnel recommendations and several payables.

Next steps: staff will complete procurement and seek any available state or grant reimbursement for the equipment.