Wicomico Co. Public Schools to Implement Weapons Detections Systems

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) announced on Monday that it would be expanding weapons detection systems throughout the school network.

In the announcement, WCPS stated that they had acquired 11 weapons detection systems last year to use at large gatherings, like sporting events and graduations. The systems have also been used in smaller settings, like summer school, evening school programs, and Choices Academy.

At the work session on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Board of Education agreed with Superintendent Dr. Micah Stauffer that similar weapons detection systems are needed in all schools, programs, and offices the public visits. This decision comes after a contentious start to the school year, as one student was arrested last month for bringing a loaded handgun to Parkside High School. Additionally, Bennett Middle School has found themselves attempting to manage gun threats made last week.

The implementation of weapons detection systems would be completed in three tiers. The first would be to implement the screening systems in all high schools and high school programs, which is expected to cost $1.7 million. The next tier would include all secondary schools and secondary programs, costing an additional $1.6 million. And lastly, to implement the systems in all other schools and programs, it would cost $2.7 million, coming to a grand total of $6 million for the system-wide safety features.

The funding estimations include not only the purchase of the weapons detection systems, but also training and staffing for their use. While grants have already been pursued, the school system does not currently the have funds for expanding weapons detection throughout the system. WCPS says that securing funding for this expansion will be a focus moving forward, but until funds are secured, there is no timeline for this project.

To view the announcement in its entirety, click here.