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Teacher urges backpack checks and entry screening after nearby social-media threats
Summary
A teacher asked Beaumont Unified trustees to consider securing school entrances, backpack checks and metal detectors after a wave of social-media threats in nearby districts; trustees discussed feasibility and communications with local police about 'STAR' protocols.
A Beaumont Unified teacher urged the school board on Sept. 24 to take concrete steps to protect students after recent social-media threats in neighboring districts.
"There were many threats made on social media regarding school shootings in our bordering district in Banning," the teacher said during public comment and asked the board to "please protect our children in a very real and actionable way." She proposed securing all school entrances with backpack checks and suggested metal detectors or wands at high-traffic points.
Trustees acknowledged the concern and discussed practical and legal constraints. Trustee David Sanchez said entry screening could serve as a deterrent, noting amusement parks can process large numbers quickly and suggesting the district consider scalable options. Other trustees urged careful thinking about time, logistics and communication with parents and Beaumont Police Department.
Board members also raised the district's use of 'STAR protocol' (student threat response) and said many families may not know what the protocol entails. Trustees asked staff to coordinate with the Beaumont Police Department on communications to families that explain consequences and the operational aspects of threat responses.
No new safety policy or funding was authorized at the meeting. Trustees asked staff and safety partners to prepare recommendations on feasible screening measures and a parent-facing communication plan describing STAR protocol and potential next steps.
