As Broward County students headed back to class today, many were greeted with metal detectors at school entry points, a continuing effort to ensure their safety. In a report by Local 10, lines wrapped around Cooper City High School as students passed through these security measures, underscoring the challenge of balancing safety and convenience. While Superintendent Robert Runcie addressed these concerns by adding more entry points last year, the first day of school still saw significant delays.
Despite the wait times, Elizabeth Guillermo, a mother whose son attends Cypress Bay High School, expresses support for these measures. Wrapping around the building due to the metal detectors, some students faced a long line. “It’s difficult for the kids,” Guillermo told Local 10. “The adjustment, it’s been hard, but I think (if) it’s for the safety of the kids that would be OK.” This safety-focused sentiment is echoed by many parents, though opinions on the efficacy and necessity of metal detectors in schools remain mixed.
Meanwhile, in St. Lucie County, a different approach is being taken. According to an article by CBS12, metal detectors will be implemented unpredictably across schools within the district. Superintendent Jon Prince emphasizes the random nature of the checks, which intend to make schools safer without a rigid schedule. “We want to make sure that schools are a safe place,” Prince told CBS12…