CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Catawba County is trying to boost security at many of its schools. School board members gave the go-ahead to place 10 metal detectors at all of its high schools and middle schools.
Maiden High School, like all of the schools in the district, has not had a single gun found on campus this school year. That has led some parents to question the need for the metal detectors.
“I don’t mind them but I don’t think they’re necessary in Maiden area right now,” said mother Jennifer Ayala. “Maybe football games, they would be necessary.”
But the district told Channel 9 the changes it’s making are proactive measures to keep students safe. 10 metal detectors will be placed at each of the high schools and middle schools in the county.
Parents like Carlos Arias believe the change is a good idea.
“Especially now with everything going on, you never know what is going to happen. As long as they’re proactive I’m okay with it,” Arias said.
Catawba County Schools was recently the recipient of a state School Safety Grant in the amount of $315,000. The district said it plans on using the money for district-wide camera system upgrades and the purchase of 10 portable walkthrough metal detectors.
The schools and deputies will use them at their discretion and they can be used at large sporting events or when a threat is made against a school.
“That would be a good idea too because that’s a lot of people in one area,” said mom Kylie Price. “Anybody could bring anything in.”
Social media posts this school year have led to schools being evacuated in Catawba County and elsewhere. Hoepfully, the scanners will help with that issue.
The district said it will also use the money on handheld radios and additional door monitor devices. Because the metal detectors are portable, they could even be set up at a school board meeting if necessary.
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