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Board authorizes next steps to research purchase and contracting for metal detectors at high-attendance events
Summary
After a safety briefing, the board authorized staff to pursue procurement and contracting steps to acquire 10–12 metal detectors for higher-attendance athletic events and to scope contracted staffing for operation; staff emphasized grants and phased implementation to limit operating impact.
Following a district safety and security update on June 12, the Orange County Board of Education authorized staff to take next steps toward procuring metal-detection equipment and establishing contracted operator services for higher-attendance athletic events.
Safety staff reviewed recent infrastructure upgrades — camera and visitor-management systems — and described Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) work to improve sightlines and campus maintenance. The safety director recommended a two-part, phased approach: purchase of 10–12 traditional metal-detector walkthrough units (staff estimated equipment costs in the range of $150,000 for the full set) and contracting trained service personnel to operate the units at events; staff stressed they do not intend district employees to staff detectors during events.
Staff said the traditional walkthrough detectors they evaluated identify a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous items, have no long-term subscription fees, and can operate on battery or plug power. The recommendation reflected internal site walks at the five athletic schools, external vendor demos and discussions with peer districts that already operate weapons-detection equipment. Staff noted capital funds would likely cover equipment and that operating costs (contracted staff) would require an operating budget line and further costing analysis; the board asked staff to return with firm per-event and per-season estimates. Staff also said they would explore grant opportunities (including the Center for Safer Schools) and other funding sources before committing district operating funds.
Board members expressed support for pursuing the procurement and stressed the need to limit operating impacts and to phase implementation carefully. A motion directing staff to move forward with procurement steps and contracting research passed, with one board member voicing opposition.
What’s next: Staff will return with itemized cost estimates for equipment, projected contractor costs per event, and recommended funding sources or grants before any purchase or ongoing operating commitment is made.
