K-12 districts continue to implement more school security and safety measures, with weapons incidents prompting many of the improvements. Some of the districts that have made recent upgrades or are planning to do so include the Houston Independent School District, Canyons School District in Utah, Columbia Public Schools in Missouri, and Wilson County Schools in Tennessee.
In Houston, Lamar High School is enhancing security following an October 28 incident where two students brought weapons to the River Oaks campus. The discovery of weapons on students has prompted the school to increase on-campus patrols and screen all students with hand-held metal detectors, reports the Houston Chronicle.
In Sandy, Utah, a deadly off-campus stabbing of a Jordan High School student in August has prompted more school security measures. Additional video surveillance cameras will be installed throughout the campus, including the parking lots, reports KUTV. Panic alarm buttons that teachers can wear will also be implemented, and more police officers will patrol campus.
Related Article: Weapons Detection Survey Finds Many Campuses Turning to Technology to Stop Gun Violence
Additionally, faculty and staff will be trained in gang prevention, student discipline policies will be reviewed, and a new school safety advocate has been hired. The district will also screen students coming into the district for disciplinary histories prior to approving their transfer to Canyons District Schools.
In Missouri, Columbia Public Schools has implemented various programs that focus on social-emotional learning and restorative practices, reports KUTV. It has also installed weapons detection systems at its high schools, which will soon be expanded to other locations.
Related Article: More Campuses Adopting Panic Alarm Tech, Most Satisfied with System Performance
In Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Wilson County Schools is outfitting many of its campuses with fences, which will help campus officials better manage visitors, reports NewsChannel5. To prevent glass windows from shattering if there is a shooting, the district’s schools will also have security film installed on their windows.
Another way the district is working to reduce gun violence at school is the recent addition of a black Labrador retriever named Zander, who will be able to sniff out firearms. He and his litter mate Zena will also be used as therapy dogs.
