Chesterfield County school leaders to vote on purchasing weapon scanners

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Middle and high school students in Chesterfield County could soon walk through weapon scanners as they arrive to school.

The Chesterfield County School Board is scheduled to vote on the night of Tuesday, May 13 on a proposal to install 149 weapons detection systems at every middle and high school in the district.

This proposal follows increased calls for tighter security after a 17-year-old student was stabbed at Meadowbrook High School in October. The student survived, but the incident sparked concern among parents, staff and school leaders.

According to school board documents, there were two successfully conducted pilot tests in January. One took place at Meadowbrook High School and another at Robious Middle School.

The system uses electromagnetic technology to detect weapons such as guns and explosive devices. The detectors would be placed at school entrances and screen students who arrive in the morning.

The district plans to have at least one system operating throughout the rest of the school day to screen visitors and additional students.

If implemented, Chesterfield would join nearby districts in adopting this security measure. Richmond Public Schools installed similar systems in all of its middle and high schools, and Henrico County Public Schools has them in every school building.

The proposed cost for the detectors is just under $2.8 million, with an annual renewal fee of around $147,000.

If approved, the detectors could be ordered as early as Wednesday and the district expects them to be operational by the start of the upcoming school year in August.

Stay with 8News for updates on tonight’s vote.