Members of the Memphis-Shelby County School Board are expected to approve a plan later this month to spend more than $12 million upgrading school security.
During Tuesday’s work session, the board moved approval of those funds to the consent agenda for next board meeting.
The multimillion-dollar investment is phase two of a three phase security upgrade plan.
These funds board members are expected to approve include:
- $1.7 million for security equipment and licenses with Cyber Technology
- $1.3 million for 161 walk-through metal detectors.
- $2.1 million for weapons detection baggage scanner x-ray machine and camera purchases.
- $7.3 million for security equipment and video systems for 56 school locations.
“Mass shootings and active shooter incidents are on the rise. In an effort to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff, it is imperative that the district increase security measures wherever possible. Putting metal detectors in schools throughout the district will assist with ensuring that schools are safe by detecting concealed weapons,” wrote the district in its board briefing documents.
Students can expect to see these upgrades by the time the new school year starts in August.
The investment in so much new technology is coming with a concern from board member Kevin Woods.
He asked staff to provide information on the expected life cycle of the new equipment so the board can plan ahead.
“Just like purchasing roofs, soccer fields, anything else, when you make this mass purchase at once, it potentially all goes out at once and so not having it phased in could potentially be another sticker shocker three to five years from now,” said Woods.
