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SKPS Announces Layered Safety Expansions Including Weapon Detection Systems to High Schools

Weapons detector system being demonstrated at a school.

This month, Salem-Keizer Public Schools committed to significant changes that were proactive, decisive, and focused on improving teaching, learning, and safety conditions. Last week, SKPS announced the first phase of implementing cell phone limits during the school day, with some schools using phone pouches to help students focus on learning. Today, the district announced plans for safety expansions, including weapon detection systems, to all comprehensive high schools as well as Roberts Structured Learning Center.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools already has a robust, nationally recognized school safety and behavior threat assessment system. As part of continuously improving their system, the district is preparing to add new comprehensive safety layers including weapon detection systems in high schools.

We are working every day to ensure that our schools are, first and foremost, safe places for learning. This decision was deliberate and measured, and made after engaging researchers, our community, and completing a comprehensive pilot at one of our high schools. In the pilot, we learned that it is possible to implement new safety measures, including weapon detection, in thoughtful ways that improve student and staff sense of safety.
Superintendent Andrea Castañeda

Layered Safety System Pilot Findings

At the end of the last school year, SKPS began a weapon detection pilot at a comprehensive high school. All students and visitors entering the building were greeted by staff and passed through the screening process.

Students, parents, and staff were surveyed about their experience with the new safety systems. More than 1,100 people responded and the district learned that almost 50% of students and almost 75% of staff reported feeling safer at school. During the pilot, behavior and attendance violations decreased and attendance improved. Between the beginning and the end of the pilot phase, concerns over logistics and delays decreased.

Our schools are the center of life in our neighborhoods and communities and we want everyone to be safe and feel safe. Speaking only as one member of the board, I believe our school district is headed in the right direction by taking action to put more safety systems in place. Improvements to safety help our students focus on learning and our educators focus on instruction and building relationships.
School Board Chair Cynthia Richardson

Implementation Timeline

With this announcement, the school district will move forward with the planning and preparation of installing weapon detection systems. Each high school campus is unique, requiring a unique plan that works best for the school.

The goal is for all comprehensive high schools, South, McKay, McNary, North, Sprague, and West, as well as Roberts Structured Learning Center, to have weapon detection systems operating this school year, with a likely expansion to middle schools next year. High school leaders will communicate directly with families over the coming weeks as more details become available.

The total cost for high school implementation is still being assessed, but will likely exceed $1.5 million.

"Our investment is in safety systems that prioritize the experience of students in schools. Student experience is not a corner we are willing to cut," said Chris Baldridge, Director of Safety and Risk Management Services

A restricted fund will pay for approximately half of the total high school cost.

We are responsible for the safety of the most precious people in your lives and members of our community. We have to take action with reasonable measures that are within our reach. Weapons detection is not a solution to the underlying problem of fear, violence, and firearms in our community. It is simply an additional comprehensive layer to protect schools.
Superintendent Castañeda
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