SFDRCISD to Beef Up Campus Safety Using Metal Detectors

SFDRCISD says walk-through metal detection will become a regular process for students at multiple secondary campuses beginning this week.

Monday morning, the District, which oversees the safety of about 10,000 area students during instruction hours, announced the implementation of metal detectors at 3 campuses on Tuesday March 17th, and 3 additional campuses on Wednesday, March 18th. The metal detection process will be practiced each day as students enter their campus. The District encourages students to now arrive a few minutes earlier, anticipating a “security line” that may slow entry into campuses.

“This is about providing an environment where [students] can thrive and learn so that everybody can reach their maximum potential,” says Superintendent Dr. Carlos Rios in a video announcing the new safety measures. “This is about protection, not punishment,” he adds.

Tuesday’s rollout includes Del Rio High School, Early College High School, and Del Rio Freshman School. Wednesday’s rollout effects the Gerardo Maldonado CTE Center, the Student Guidance and Learning Center, and Blended Academy.

Students will be expected to remove certain items from their packs before walking through the detection device. These items include laptops, 3-ring binders, umbrellas, metal lunchboxes, metal pen cases, and glasses cases. Items that will not require unconcealing are nonmetal items and some common items like cellphones, keys, water bottles, and books.

“The implementation of metal detectors in high schools would reduce the risk of individuals entering school property with prohibited items and would significantly support student safety,” says a District release, citing a year-long study into enhancing campus security.

In recent memory, Del Rio schools have not experienced an act of considerable weapon violence. However, as gun-related tragedies continue to befall American communities, particularly on campuses, affording students and staff the added security measures that could effectively prevent such an event can be thought of as an increasingly necessary proactivity, even in relatively rural regions like Del Rio.

According to Dr. Rios, “Every decision we make, whether it be to install fences, secure doors, or hire more police officers, all has to do with providing the safest environment for our students.”