Broward schools debate if metal detectors and clear backpacks are ‘too intrusive,’ effective

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FLV) – The Broward County School Board debated numerous issues around school safety, including the use of metal detectors and clear backpacks at its district workshop meeting Tuesday.

“What I want to make sure we’re doing is spending money on safety and security that actually is making our schools safer, not just making people feel safer,” said Board member Debra Hixon.

“I have a concern with clear backpacks and metal detectors. I’ve gone across the country to other places that have been impacted by mass shootings and violence, and almost every safety specialist that you talk to says those just make people feel better. They don’t really make it safer,” Hixon continued.

Hixon clarified she is not for or against the use of metal detectors, but that she wanted hard data before reaching a decision. Questions Hixon proposed included if detection systems reduce firearms from coming into a school space.

Hixon reiterated she is 100% for safety proposals, including metal detectors, if they are data driven. Her alternative to avoid wasted money was to focus on people to make a difference, including making sure doors are locked on school grounds.

Hixon’s data driven reasoning was seconded by fellow board member Sarah Leonardi.

Adjacent Palm Beach County has already implemented a pilot program on metal detectors in its district.

Broward Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter B. Licta indicated he was monitoring “a district north of us” in remarks on the use of metal detectors in follow-up questioning.

Board member Dr. Jeff Holness was also a dissent for clear backpacks.

“Unless there is evidence, and I have yet to see any kind of evidence to suggest clear backpacks actually keep kids safe, I do not support it,” said Holness.

“If evidence emerge that clear backpacks do keep kids safe, then I think its worth looking at. At this point, I think its too intrusive. I think that there’s not enough substantive evidence to suggest it makes anyone safer, so I am not supportive of that,” Holness added.

Board member Daniel Foganholi offered a alternative perspective and scenario to the issue.

“It gives the kids an opportunity to say no. ‘Hold this, put this in there. Hey you should have this, nah man clear backpack I can’t do it. I don’t want to get caught, they’re going to see it,'” said Foganholi.

“It actually raises that amount from kids doing these things and really deters those kids from doing anything wrong,” he added.

The district initially gave the green light on clear backpacks before it reversed its decision on June 13. The order was supposed to go into effect on the districts first day of school which was Aug. 21.

Holness did issue his support for metal detectors.

“I hear the other board members speak on that as well, and I do hope that we can move forward with out anymore oversight of what need to be done with metal detectors. I do hope that can move forward,” said Holness.

The use of drones was also discussed, specifically when large crowds were present for walk-outs or during school sporting events.