School officials weigh weapons-detection systems, cite cost and staffing challenges

Dr. Ranella, presenting on behalf of Campbell County Public Schools, told the school board the division has researched weapons-detection technology and visited other districts to assess practical tradeoffs. "We wanted to find a system that detected firearms and weapons before they got into the schools," he said, and added any system would have to "integrate with existing programs and protocols" and be ADA accessible.

The superintendent's office described the division's existing layered approach — school resource officers, the Raptor visitor-management system, access-control upgrades (Galaxy), expanded camera coverage, ballistic film and vape sensors — and said weapons-detection technology would be an added layer rather than a replacement. Dr. Ranella said systems fall into two broad models: tower/open-gate units (students pass through a tower and items such as laptops are handled separately) and vendor-operated systems that some districts outsource.

Board members and staff raised operational concerns. Mr. Phillips asked about laptop handling and whether conveyor solutions exist; presenters said laptop handoffs are a regular complication and that some districts use a table-and-bin approach or conveyor options but those require additional space and infrastructure. Presenters described examples from Halifax and Amherst counties: Amherst reportedly runs similar towers in-house with staff trained to operate them, while Halifax contracted operations to a private firm. Dr. Ranella said the Evolve system used in Halifax was funded through COVID-era grants and is relatively expensive; some AI-based camera solutions were described as "close to seven figures." He cautioned the board that flow rate matters — a cited figure was roughly 300 students per system every 10–12 minutes under some configurations — and that more towers would be needed at larger schools.

Cost estimates and staffing needs framed the board's questions. The presentation included a rough cost estimate for 12 tower units (two per secondary school) at about $280,000, which presenters called a baseline that likely understates total needs once additional towers and logistics are considered. Captain Lawhorn and other staff suggested piloting the technology for the academic day first and then considering expansion to after-school events. The board asked staff to review logistics, staffing models, and funding options and to report back in about a month.

The briefing did not result in a formal vote; the board requested additional information before making any procurement decisions.