25-04-2025
Kalamazoo middle, high schools to use weapon detectors next fall
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Walking through weapon detectors will be part of the daily morning routine for many students in Kalamazoo Public Schools in the fall.
The KPS Board of Education unanimously approved installing weapon detection systems at all middle and high school entrances during a meeting Wednesday night.
Superintendent Darrin Slade said recent shootings in Texas and Florida highlight the need for expansion.
'There is a school shooting or a shooting in a school or university at least once a week. We just had one in Florida State University. We had one in a public school in Dallas, I think, this month already. The goal is to add an additional layer of security to make sure our students are as safe as possible,' he said during the meeting.
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Several board members spoke in support of the motion. Trustee Karla Murphy said she was hesitant at first because of previous experience with other detectors.
'Everyone taking their shoes off, everyone taking their belts off. Everyone taking their earrings out and taking their jewelry off; no watches. And that was just to get in to a federal building. These are not that,' Murphy said.
She said the OPENGATE system the district uses can be adjusted to avoid an intensive process.
Slade said the idea has been discussed for more than a year with teachers, parents and students. During meetings with parents in the winter, district leaders mentioned that last year, a at Kalamazoo Central High School. Slade said detectors were commonplace at his previous districts.
The district bought 11 OPENGATE weapon detectors last November and has been using them at sporting events. Comstock Public Schools also use similar detectors during sporting events. uses a similar system.
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Slade previously said that there should be no additional cost since each middle and high school is already equipped with the system.
Several parents at Maple Street Magnet School told News 8 that they like the plan. One woman said that while she supports the idea, she's concerned about long lines and the safety of students who gather outside of the schools and haven't yet walked through the detector.
A trainer with CEIA USA, the marker of OPENGATE, said proper communication between students, parents and the district can help create a seamless and safe transition.
There will be a test period in one of the district's buildings before the detectors go up in the fall, district leaders previously said.
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