Salem-Keizer Public Schools has announced a plan to install metal detectors in all of its middle schools during the current school year. This decision expands a security initiative that was first introduced in the district's high schools last fall in response to concerns over youth gun violence.
Key Takeaways
- Metal detectors will be installed in all Salem-Keizer middle schools.
- The installation is a phased rollout, scheduled from late October to April.
- This follows a similar security update in the district's high schools last year.
- Additional measures include security window film and door monitoring systems.
- The initiative is a direct response to data showing an increase in weapons possession among younger individuals.
Expanding Security Measures to Middle Schools
Following the implementation of metal detectors across its high schools, Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) is now extending these safety protocols to its middle school campuses. The district has confirmed that the rollout will be a carefully managed process to minimize disruption to the learning environment.
The installation will occur in phases. District teams will visit each middle school individually to set up the new equipment and systems. The process is scheduled to begin in late October and is expected to be completed across all middle schools by April of next year.
Background on High School Program
The move to add metal detectors in middle schools is a continuation of a policy that began last year. The district initially launched a pilot program at South Salem High School. After evaluating its effectiveness, the security measures were expanded to every high school in the district in the fall of 2024.
A Direct Response to Youth Violence Data
District officials have stated that this decision was not made lightly. It is a proactive measure driven by concerning local data and a specific incident that highlighted the need for enhanced security. Last year, a shooting that resulted in one teen's death and two others being injured prompted a lockdown and a district-wide review of safety protocols.
Chris Baldridge, the Director of Safety and Risk Management Services for SKPS, pointed to specific data as a key motivator for the expansion into middle schools. He noted a troubling trend in juvenile crime statistics within the county.
"Juvenile data in the county shows a decline in the ages of people getting charged with possession of a weapon. Which is really kind of a driving factor for us so we don’t want weapons in our schools," Baldridge explained.
He emphasized that the goal is to create a comprehensive safety net. "We feel our layered safety systems provide us with that ability to make them as weapons-free as possible," he added. "So it’s logical that we started in our high schools, and now that we’re moving into our middle schools.”
Comprehensive Security Upgrades Planned
The metal detectors are just one component of a broader security enhancement strategy for the district's middle schools. SKPS is implementing a multi-layered approach to secure its campuses.
Controlling Access Points
A primary focus is on managing who enters and exits the buildings during school hours. The district plans to monitor doors more closely and limit the number of available entry and exit points. This is intended to ensure that all individuals entering the school pass through the new security screening.
Layered Safety Approach
The district's strategy includes three main components:
- Evolv Express Metal Detectors: Systems designed for high-volume, less intrusive screening.
- Security Window Film: This film is applied to ground-floor windows to prevent outsiders from seeing into classrooms and to strengthen the glass against forced entry.
- Door Monitoring Systems: New technology will be installed to alert staff when doors are opened or closed, providing real-time tracking of building access.
Enhancing Building Integrity
In addition to access control, the district is installing special window film on school buildings. This film serves a dual purpose: it obscures the view from the outside, protecting the privacy of students and staff, and it reinforces the glass, making it more difficult to break.
Furthermore, new monitoring systems are being put in place across the schools. This technology helps administrators understand when and where doors are being used, providing valuable data for security management and emergency response.
Balancing Safety with the Student Experience
While prioritizing safety, district leaders acknowledge the potential impact these changes may have on students' daily lives. Baldridge stated that SKPS is conscious of how these security measures affect the overall school atmosphere and is working to implement them in a way that feels supportive rather than intrusive.
Deputy Superintendent Danielle Neves reinforced this commitment in a message to families. She stressed that the district's fundamental responsibility is to provide a secure environment where learning can thrive.
"Our first job is to keep your children safe and to give them a space where they can learn with the adults and students, with parents," Neves said. "And so with that, we take that very seriously.”
The district is also planning to release a comprehensive report on the effectiveness and impact of the metal detector program in the high schools. This report, expected sometime during the current school year, will likely provide valuable insights as the middle school program gets underway. The findings will help the district refine its approach and ensure that the balance between security and a positive school culture is maintained.
