School Violence Town Hall Draws Hundreds In Huntersville

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools' board member Rhonda Cheek believes metal detectors and clear backpacks are two practical solutions to alarming school violence this school year.

Numerous violent fights have taken place in CMS schools and at least 15 firearms have been found so far this year including several at Hopewell High in Huntersville that resulted in police filing charges against a half dozen students.

Hundreds of people turned out to a forum Cheek scheduled to discuss the violent trends, with some parents unhappy with how CMS is handling it.

“I raise my children to be really tough and resilient but when weapons come into a school, my daughter’s fearful,” said one.

Others fear metal detectors would make students feel imprisoned.

Earnest Winston, CMS Superintendent, was also in attendance and promised that a task force would evaluate all options and that student safety was the number one priority. "We're committed to doing everything we can," Winston told parents. He also said all options are on the table, but did not specifically address metal detectors or the feasibility of the machines in public schools. Metal detecting wands are also an option.

There are some tentative steps in place currently to make schools like Hopewell safer, including adult chaperones in the hallways when students move throughout campus.

Cheek said that if schools do implement a clear backpack policy it can't be right away, citing supply chain issues internationally. Most clear backpacks are made in China, and goods are backed up for weeks in clogged trade route.

Many community members went to the microphone to offer public comments, one of them saying that parents need to remember that caring for children starts at home.

"Parents need to be parents," the community member said. Another suggested parents attend school during the day to help mitigate potential violence.

Cheek vowed to take all suggestions into account, as did Winston.

"We need to have some actionable steps," Cheek concluded, and between police, the school board, the task force and school officials, those next steps are expected in the coming weeks.

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