School officer says levy paid for cameras, sign‑in systems and an 'Evolve' metal‑detection system in Fayette County Schools

A school officer told the meeting that the district used money from the most recent levy to purchase security upgrades, including camera and sign‑in systems and an "Evolve" system the speaker described as a metal detector.

The officer, speaking during public comment, said the levy also funds school officers themselves, along with routine capital items such as work on football stadiums and a new school building. "Our tax dollars are at work," the speaker said, adding that the equipment is intended to help keep students safe.

The speaker said the district bought what they called "verotta" camera systems and sign‑in systems that parents use when checking children in and out of school, and that it has purchased an "Evolve" system — "for lack of a better term is a metal detector" — which the speaker said is used in major stadiums and theme parks.

The speaker identified themselves and a colleague (named in the remarks as Mr. Dickerson) as school officers funded by the levy and said both are retired law‑enforcement officers: the colleague with about 25 years at the West Virginia State Police and the speaker with about 27 years at a sheriff's office.

The officer emphasized limits to the role. "We get to carry firearms in the schools, but we can't make arrests," the speaker said, and described their role as assisting local law enforcement rather than acting as full police officers. The speaker described daily duties as physically checking doors and gates and ensuring needed repairs are made.

The speaker closed by praising district staff and students and saying all are working to keep children safe.

The remarks were delivered as public comment; the district's officials did not make additional statements in the transcript about the claims or provide confirmation of vendor names or precise contract details.