WS/FCS to increase random use of metal detectors in high schools

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools plans to increase the random, unannounced use of metal detectors in high schools.

The district used more than $300,000 in grant funding to put two portable metal detectors at each middle and high school earlier this academic year. They've been used for large events, but also at random for regular school days. 

Now, district officials say they’ll be moving the machines to the high schools only, unless there is a threat at a middle school. 

Chief Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Officer Jonathan Wilson said this change doesn’t mean schools in the district are any less safe. 

“We have to prepare for the worst case scenario. So the fact that you're seeing it should not cause alarm," Wilson said. "I would hope that you would see that as a step, and partner with us, knowing that it's going to take a little longer to get students out of that parking lot and into the building.”

Wilson said the use of metal detectors have caused up to an hour and a half in delays for students getting into schools, but that over the next quarter, the district hopes to "cut that time in half."

“We're going to ask for some patience by students and parents because there is a learning curve for us," he said. 

It will be up to the principals to decide how often to use the metal detectors, but the district will also randomly select schools to deploy them at various times. 

Wilson says students should continue to tell trusted adults if they see anything suspicious at school. But he hopes the metal detectors will act as a deterrent.  

"I would hope that if a student has an idea to bring a metal item into the school, this is going to give them pause and make them think about what they're going to do with it," he said. "Maybe it's taking it, putting it back in the car, maybe it's going home for the day."

The district plans to survey students, parents and staff about this technology, and potentially order more to add them back to middle schools.

The Board of Education will further discuss student safety measures with local law enforcement at a workshop on April 18.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.