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Fairfax County Public Schools will begin testing a weapons screening system at high schools this spring as part of a districtwide safety pilot.
The technology, similar to screening systems used at concerts and sporting events, will be deployed at randomly selected high schools during morning arrival at least once a week. Screenings could remain at a school for one day or several days.
Families and school communities will not receive advance notice. After the morning bell, parents and guardians will be notified by email that their child’s school was selected. A second message will provide the screening results at the end of the day.
Several high school students tested the system and participated in a video discussion about school safety with Superintendent Michelle C. Reid on April 9.
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security will oversee the pilot through the remainder of the school year. The district said the effort is intended to strengthen existing safety and security programs while officials evaluate the new process.