WUSA9: Prince George’s County Public Schools will not be meeting its previously announced goal of having weapons detectors at all high schools by the first day of classes on Aug. 28.
The school system has also announced that a new requirement for clear backpacks is being modified from a previous announcement to allow younger children to continue to use their traditional book bags.
The county’s new superintendent said the weapons detections devices are unlikely to be delivered in time, so the metal detector plan will have to be phased in.
When Millard House II announced on July 11 that weapons detectors would be coming to Prince George’s County Schools, he had hoped to have some of the detectors delivered to high schools offering summer school. So far it hasn’t happened and no metal detectors are yet deployed.
On Monday, House assured people touring the brand new Drew Freeman Middle School in Suitland that the security enhancements are coming.
“That’s going to be a phased approach,” House said. “We’ve listened to the community and the feedback and we’re going to start specifically with our high schools. Not all high schools, but we will be starting with a group of high schools in terms of the security enhancements. “
The first schools where the detectors will be deployed will be:
- Suitland High School
- Dr. Henry Wise High School
- Bowie High School
- High Point High School
- Central High School
- Oxon Hill High School
Previously, school officials released the contract for the metal detectors from Ohio-based CEIA OPENGATE. The company was contracted to provide 31 detecting systems for nearly $523,000, with an original delivery date of April 26, 2023, according to the draft provided to WUSA9.
According to a company brochure, the systems are battery-operated portable detection towers that can be operated from a mobile device app.
Youtubers have posted videos of similar systems being used at major sporting events.
Also, in a change from the previously announced requirement regarding clear backpacks, the policy will now only apply to ninth through 12th graders and students in certain “non-traditional programs.”
At present, clear backpacks are optional for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. PGCPS will evaluate the policy for middle school grades at the end of the first semester and communicate any modifications prior to the end of winter break.
Mesh alternatives are not allowed. The school system is working with community partners to assist high school students in need.
“Our hope is to work with community partners and our foundations to be able to provide as many of our high school students with that clear backpack for the first day of school as possible,” House said. “What’s important is that they’re in school.”
More security enhancements were unveiled Monday inside the newly constructed Drew Freeman Middle School in Suitland. The new construction features open restrooms where only toilet stalls are private. The rest of the facility is open so that students can’t congregate out of view of teachers, administrators and security.
