With Oxford High School's last year marked by gun violence, students will arrive after Labor Day this year to find markedly tougher security. That includes biometric scanners that can detect weapons in backpacks, private security and a dog that can sniff out firearms.
A hallway at Oxford High School (File photo)
That's in addition to a camera system that will use artificial intelligence to alert quickly to the presence of weapons.
And just in case that isn't enough, clear plastic backpacks will remain in use, and digital ID readers at the door will keep out non-students.
Oxford Community Schools officials held a tele-town hall Monday night for parents and the community to share details of their three-year-recovery plan that addresses new safety and school security, mental health, social emotional learning, staff wellness and retention, and other measures.
Four students were killed and seven others injured last November, when a student opened fire with a gun he'd kept concealed in his backpack. Former Oxford sophomore Ethan Crumbley has been accused of the shooting and awaits trial, along with his parents, who are charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the tragedy.
School officials said installation of the kiosks is scheduled for Thursday. Parents can get a close look at the machines Monday inside the high school before classes begin on Aug. 25.
The district said it will use a weapons detection dog for service at the high school with its own district handler by September and will have NightLock safety shades on door windows in classrooms by first day of school.
