Metal Detector Pilot Program To Start At William Floyd High School: District

MASTIC BEACH, NY — Metal detectors will be introduced in a pilot program at William Floyd High School beginning next week, district officials said Wednesday.

Officials have been "working diligently to select a system and work with a vendor, GXC Inc., to ensure successful implementation in our schools including testing, training, and the establishment of procedures," they said in a post to the district's website.

District officials decided to install metal detectors after a student was found with a loaded gun earlier this semester.

The pilot program, which starts with three units, will test the use of metal detectors at the north, south, east, freshman, and Floyd Academy entrances, and at the onset, the units will be moved around between those entrances, they said.

After the pilot program proves successful at the high school, the district will begin to pilot them in the middle and elementary schools, which has been tentatively scheduled for sometime in the upcoming months, according to officials.

"During the trial run, random groups of students will be selected to test at each high school entrance, while the process is tested for effectiveness and efficiency," officials said. "Once the procedures are in place and working successfully, additional units will be deployed at each entrance to ensure a smooth and efficient entrance into the building each school day."

Officials asked residents note there will be "a learning curve and expected challenges along the way with a new initiative of this size and scope," but they "will continue to make progress and strive to keep our students and staff safe."

"We will continue to keep the community informed every step of the way," officials said.

Questions were directed to publicrelations@wfsd.k12.ny.us.