Rowan Salisbury Schools introduces new Metal Detectors and Searches policy for middle and high schools

On Thursday evening Rowan-Salisbury Schools announced in a connect ed message that a new metal detector and search policy would go into effect for middle and high schools in the county. Michelle Shue of the school system called and emailed residents through connect ed the school systems messaging service with the following message. 

Good evening Rowan-Salisbury schools' families, 

This is Michelle Shue calling to inform you of a new procedure for our middle schools and high schools beginning on February 1. As an additional effort to make our schools safer and to assist our school administrators and teachers, RSS will begin conducting random metal detector checks in our middle schools and high schools. This safety effort is in line with the RSS School Board Policy: 4342 Student Searches Section B.  

At various times during the school day, students may be asked to walk through a metal detector. This safety measure will include a search of their bookbags, lunch boxes, purses, or other personal items. Students may also be searched using a metal detector wand if deemed necessary. Only RSS staff are permitted to conduct these searches and the School Resource Officer will not take part. 

When these searches occur, a campus-wide announcement will be made to “Hold and Teach.” During a “Hold & Teach” scenario, teachers and staff should keep the halls clear and stay in the classrooms or assigned locations but continue teaching and other activities. No students will be allowed out into the halls during this “Hold and Teach” time.

If you have further questions about this new district policy, please reach out to your school principal. We appreciate all that our families do to support the education and safety of all students and staff. Safety is the highest priority for Rowan-Salisbury schools and working together allows us to provide the very best for our community. 

For more details on this and other information you can visit the RSS website here.