A weapon detection pilot program at two Pinellas County high schools is being shut down today, just 10 days after it launched, following operational problems and concerns about upcoming standardized testing.
The pass-through detectors were installed at school entrances on April 7, with administrators initially saying they would remain in place through May 29. Instead, they are being removed from both campuses today, Friday, April 17.
Superintendent Kevin Hendrick told the school board Tuesday that the district had “learned quite a bit from the implementation of this pilot” in logistical planning, and that the detectors were being pulled to avoid disruption as high schools begin international and state testing. He did not elaborate further on why the on-campus portion of the program was ending early.
The first days of implementation at Palm Harbor University High School reportedly produced long lines and false alarms. School board member Laura Hine said she visited the Gibbs High campus Tuesday morning to speak with staff and students about the program. Neither Hendrick nor Sean Jowell, the district’s Director of Safety and Security, returned requests for comment.
Jowell had said when the program launched that the district did not want students to feel like they were in a prison environment. Going forward, the district’s safety and security team plans to pilot the detectors at some district events, with public notification when it does so.
Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Google, & X
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun 
Leave a comment