Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has decided to install weapons detection systems in all 33 of its middle schools. This decision, unanimously approved by the MNPS Board of Education, aims to extend the security measures currently in place in the district's high schools. According to WSMV, the installation process will commence after the fall break and is expected to implement the systems into two schools per week. The Evolv weapons detection systems, designed to screen for firearms without the invasive procedures of traditional metal detectors, come at a cost of approximately $1.2 million, which will be funded by the Tennessee Public School Safety Grant.
While the grant covers the initial implementation, operational costs estimated at $1 million annually will need to be paid from the MNPS budget in future years. In a statement obtained by WSMV, District 9 board member Abigail Tylor spoke on the broader context of this effort, "Unfortunately, we don’t have control over making stricter gun laws that over 80% of Tennesseans want. That’s something that we need to continue to push for and advocate for, because we can only respond with what we have control over, and I hate that we have to harden our schools in some instances, because it is the absolute antithesis of what we should be doing with our schools."
The move to bolster middle school security follows the detection of at least one gun in Nashville high schools since the systems were put in place last year, as reported by NewsChannel 5. This comes after a tragic shooting incident last year at Antioch High School that resulted in the death of a student. MNPS asserts that the pilot program in Antioch High School led directly to the arrest of two students on separate occasions for carrying guns onto school grounds.
However, this security expansion to younger students has not been met without concern. Student board member Ava Dakash told WSMV that middle schoolers might find it difficult to adapt to these new systems. MNPS is planning to conduct information sessions on the systems before their activation to better prepare students and parents. Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Schools, affirmed in a press release from MNPS covered by WKRN, "This technology has allowed us to strengthen security while maintaining a smooth, welcoming experience for students each morning."
Despite the inclusion of this technology in high schools yielding results, the conversation continues to surround the impact such measures have on the school environment. As noted by WKRN, following the FTC's complaint against Evolv Technologies, the company settled with recommendations including restrictions on making unverified claims about their systems' efficiency and accuracy. MNPS officials have not announced plans to include elementary schools, but they have indicated continued attention to enhancing safety across all school levels.
