Kalamazoo Public Schools Considers Weapon Detectors for Student Safety

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) is considering a new security measure that would have middle and high school students walk through weapon detectors during the school day. This proposal, which is currently under review by district leaders, comes as part of a broader effort to enhance safety in schools, following several high-profile incidents of school violence across the country.

The plan was introduced by Superintendent Darrin Slade and other district leaders, who have been meeting with the community to discuss the current safety protocols and proposed changes. Under the district’s current security plan, school doors are locked when not in use, and secured vestibules provide an extra layer of protection between visitors and classrooms. However, the proposed policy would require students to pass through weapon detectors in middle and high schools as a further precaution.

This decision follows an incident last year at Kalamazoo Central High School, where a gun was confiscated from a student. Slade, who has implemented similar security measures in other districts, stressed that the additional security would be a “layer” to ensure the safety of students. He noted that principals, teachers, and parents in his previous districts had also expressed support for the implementation of weapon detectors.

The proposed weapon detectors are similar to those used in the Lansing School District and at Comstock Public Schools during sporting events. KPS already owns 11 of the detectors, which were purchased in November, though they have only been used at special events so far. Under the new policy, security staff, along with the school principal and assistant principal, would assist students as they walk through the detectors.

With the equipment already in place, the district does not anticipate additional costs. Slade emphasized that any decision made by the district is done in consultation with community members and partners, ensuring their voices are heard in the process.

At a recent meeting held at Kalamazoo Central High School, over 40 parents were present to learn more about the proposal. Many expressed support for the idea, with some, like parent Tina Tabulog, sharing that their children were concerned about the possibility of school violence. Tabulog, who has one child at Loy Norrix High School and another in elementary school, said her children have expressed fear about school shootings. After hearing about the proposed detectors, they told her they would feel safer with the added security.

“They see the school shootings all over the news. They worry when they go to school, and when this came up, I asked their opinion. They say ‘No, I would feel better. I would feel safer. I would feel not as hesitant to go to school,’” Tabulog said.

The Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education is expected to vote on the proposal in either March or April. If approved, a test period for the weapon detectors could begin near the end of the current school year.

The district remains committed to exploring all options to ensure students feel safe and secure in their learning environment. As the conversation continues, the community’s involvement will play a crucial role in shaping the district’s approach to school safety.