Pinellas County Schools to pilot weapons-detection systems at two high schools

Superintendent Hendrick told the Pinellas County School Board on March 31 that the district will begin a pilot of non-intrusive weapons-detection systems at two high schools, Palm Harbor University High School and Gibbs High School, starting Tuesday, April 7. Hendrick said families at each school have been notified and district safety staff will support on-site implementation and gather direct feedback from students, families and staff.

Hendrick described the systems as able to detect weapons whether carried on a person or concealed in a backpack or bag and said the district expects initial delays similar to new traffic control implementations. He said the pilot will let staff “assess effectiveness in high traffic areas, determine appropriate staff for deployment, and gather direct input” and that a summary of the pilot will be returned to the board this summer for further discussion.

At the public comment period, Dr. Peter Westmoreland, a professor of ethics and Gibbs High School parent, urged the board to end the pilot. “By putting weapons detection systems in schools, it signals that they’re not safe,” Westmoreland said. He added that systems could create anxiety for students and suggested the district prioritize funding for teachers and bus drivers instead of “excessive security measures.”

The announcement did not include a vote; Hendrick said the pilot is an operational test and will be evaluated before any decision about wider deployment. Board members did not take formal action on the pilot at the meeting.

The district posted information and frequently asked questions about the pilot on its website and said it will present a report on findings to the board at a future workshop this summer.