- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) district in North Carolina has implemented several strategies to enhance school security and lower the incidence of weapons on campuses.
- These measures include the installation of metal detectors and surveillance systems at all high schools, the employment of additional staff, and the creation of an anonymous tip line.
- Through effective communication with students, the scheme has reduced the number of firearms found on campuses significantly, drawing attention from other districts across the country.
In response to growing safety concerns, CMS has invested millions in the implementation and improvement of school safety measures. A significant aspect of this campaign involves regular communication with student advocates to devise effective solutions. These initiatives came in the wake of tragic incidences involving weapon use, such as a shooting that took place at Butler High School in 2018.
CMS Chief Operations Officer Brian Schultz described the school district’s efforts as an urgent endeavor to create safe learning environments for students. Prior to the introduction of these measures, Schultz stated that the district detected 31 firearms in the 2021-22 school year. This number dropped to seven the following year, indicating a promising trend.
Beyond the implementation of high-tech security equipment, additional staffing measures have also been taken. It’s a holistic approach where people are seen as essential in the safety goals as the surveillance systems and metal detectors.
As an integral part of the process, CMS has established an open line of communication with student advocates like Malachi Thompson. Thompson has been involved in discussions with the superintendent, Dr. Crystal Hill, on serious topics relating to student safety.
CMS’s approach is being recognized nationally, with representatives from 30 other districts visiting in the past year to learn from their success.
While the CMS has been praised for its success, Wake County Public School System is yet to reach out. Both Schultz and Thompson expressed their hopes that school leaders and parents in Wake County can collaborate to enhance school safety in their area.
Thompson affirmed that the extra security measures have not only improved safety but also enhanced students’ willingness to attend school.