Local schools are interested in an offer by the state to get handheld metal detectors, but want to decide who and how they would be used first.
More than 3,200 hand-held metal detectors have been requested by schools across Indiana through a state program aimed at improving student safety. Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the program in early July, which allows schools to receive one free metal detector for every 250 students.
Clark-Pleasant schools applied for the metal detectors, but specific people need to be trained on how to use them first, Superintendent Patrick Spray said.
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The metal detectors will not replace their current plans to improve school safety with the referendum, Spray said. School officials are moving ahead with a referendum on the fall ballot that would increase taxes to collect another $1.5 million per year to be dedicated to school safety, including a school police department, and additional counselors.
“Sure, we’ll take those and we’ll have those available, but I don’t think it replaces what we are talking about,” Spray said. “The Indiana Department of Education has information on the effects of metal detectors in schools and they haven’t been successful.”
Franklin Community Schools has also applied for the detectors, and they are working on figuring out the procedures to use the devices, Superintendent David Clendening said.
“We don’t want to do it halfway,” Clendening said.
Along with getting the metal detectors, Franklin schools will also be hosting a forum on school safety in September, Clendening said.
“Everyone is aware of what is going on and what environment we want our schools to be in,” he said.
Greenwood Community Schools also applied, but they will not be using the detectors until they determine the appropriate use, training and policies, Superintendent Kent DeKoninck said.
“The information is so new, so we’re still discussing,” he said.
First orders had to be placed by July 19 to receive the devices by mid-August.
