FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools announced they will increase random metal detection as middle and high school students enter school starting on Wednesday, May 15 until the end of the school year.
Tricia McManus, the WS/FCS superintendent, cited two gun-related incidents that have impacted the school district in recent weeks as the reason for the increase.
This includes a gun going off from inside a student's backpack at Parkland High School and a K9 unit finding guns and ammo inside a student's car.
"One gun brought to school by a student is too many, and regardless of the intent, we need to ensure this does not happen as we work to keep all of our students and staff safe,” wrote the superintendent in a press release.
Random metal detection will increase in frequency for up to five days in each middle and high school, according to the school district. They also planned to use this time to develop a plan for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
McManus warned students the current process will delay the students' entry into school over the next four weeks.
The school district also urged parents to make sure their children are only bringing "the most necessary items to school" in order to expedite the entry process.
WS/FCS ended the press release by saying that metal detection would not replace of behavioral and mental health support for students.
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