Newton County Schools Launches Weapons Detection Pilot in Middle and High Schools
Newton County Schools is launching a pilot program for weapons detection beginning the week of March 3, 2025, as part of its ongoing commitment to school safety. The system, approved by the Newton County Board of Education, will be deployed randomly at all middle schools and high schools during morning arrival to assess its effectiveness in enhancing security while maintaining an efficient entry process.
This initiative follows a community safety survey in which 93% of respondents supported the use of weapons detection systems in schools. The pilot will allow the district to evaluate system performance, gather feedback, and refine procedures before considering long-term implementation.
“Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” said Newton County Board of Education Chair Abigail Coggin. “The Board remains committed to exploring innovative solutions that enhance security while ensuring minimal disruption to the school day. This pilot program allows us to assess the system’s effectiveness and make data-driven decisions about its future use in our schools.”
To ensure a smooth rollout, safety personnel and school staff have received training on system operations and best practices. The district will monitor the pilot closely, track performance, and make necessary adjustments based on real-time feedback. Findings will be presented to district leadership to determine next steps.