CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Chesterfield County will install weapons detectors at all middle and high school campuses after a unanimous vote by the school board on Tuesday night. The $2.7 million safety upgrade comes amid growing concerns from parents and community members.
The weapons detection systems will be installed over the summer and are expected to be operational when students return for the new school year in August 2025.
"Everyone entering the building will be required to walk through weapons detectors," said Steven Paranto, a member of the Chesterfield School Board. "This is not an answer that will cure everything, but it's definitely a tool we can use."
The decision follows a successful pilot program at Meadowbrook High School and Robious Middle School earlier this spring.
Josh Davis, Chief Operating Officer of Chesterfield Schools, emphasized the district's commitment to preventing deadly weapons from entering schools.
"We've been evaluating solutions that will help... that is our intent," Davis said.
With this implementation, Chesterfield joins Henrico, Richmond and Hopewell Public Schools in using similar technology. Thirty-one percent of Virginia schools now utilize weapons detectors.
The new system includes designated lanes for student drop-off, bus entry points, and late arrivals to maintain security while ensuring smooth traffic flow.
"It offers flexibility, good throughput, and has rechargeable batteries. It detects items we are looking for through electromagnetic means," Davis said.
District leaders have been researching safety technology since the beginning of the current school year, including visits to neighboring districts to evaluate different implementations.
A stabbing incident at Meadowbrook High School in October also heightened safety concerns throughout the district.
Before the vote, parent Cara Evert addressed the board.
"Thank you for listening and hearing the concerns of parents and students," Evert said. "Until things change in this country as a whole, I think this is the proper next step."
The district plans to test the equipment with staff and students this summer and will provide training on new protocols before the school year begins.
"I think it's extremely important our children and staff feel safe," Paranto said.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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