KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – What happened when a Kalamazoo Central High Student snuck a gun past metal detectors last Friday?
Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade says he has seen the surveillance video.
Slade says the detector did not trigger when the book bag holding the gun went through, despite what the student may have told police.
He says after they got a tip about the gun, a Kalamazoo Township police officer searched the book bag, and still couldn’t find the weapon.
Slade says it appears protocol was followed when the student went through security.
He says they will be reviewing their procedures and adjusting their equipment.
The few parents who spoke at last night’s meeting complained about not getting the information sooner and demanded stepped up security.
Parent Nicole Phillips says the district has been slow to assure parents that it’s safe for her child.
Dr. Slade reminded parents that KPS is the only local district in the county with metal detectors and one of the few in the state. He says this incident shows that no system is entirely foolproof.
Trustees asked for parents to be patient and show grace as they review their security and communications policies and make improvements.
Several trustees and parents also praised the staff for nurturing the kind of atmosphere of trust in the school that produced the tip, and resulted in the seizure of the weapon and the arrest of the teen before anything happened.
Slade suggested in the future, they might want to discuss beefing up the security to include X-ray machines and require clear plastic bags, but only after more community discussion.
An open meeting to discuss the incident and what the district is doing about it, has been scheduled for next Wednesday the 28th at 5 p.m. in the Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium.
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