The Kenosha Unified School Board has approved the purchase of metal detectors for six of its high schools, signaling a new approach to campus safety in response to recent gun-related incidents and a broader push for security measures in schools across the country.

Cost and Implementation Details

The district will spend over $470,000 on 18 CEIA OpenGate walk-through metal detectors and 15 handheld units, according to Tanya Ruder, the district’s chief communications officer. The funds will come from the district’s general fund reserves. The purchase process is already underway, with the detectors expected to be installed at Bradford High School, Harborside Academy/Reuther Central High School, Hillcrest School, Indian Trail High School and Academy, Lakeview Technology Academy, and Tremper High School.

Ruder emphasized that the board’s decision was not solely in response to recent events, but rather a thorough review of safety measures. The approval came after a 13-year-old student brought an airsoft rifle to Roosevelt Elementary in November 2024, prompting the formation of a safety committee. In a report issued in July 2025, the committee recommended the use of metal detectors and weapons detection systems.

Policy Changes and Safety Protocols

The new search policy allows school officials to use walk-through and handheld metal detectors if an administrator has reasonable suspicion that a student possesses a weapon. These tools can also be used for random screenings, particularly before, during, or after school and at special events such as athletic competitions, dances, and assemblies.

Signs at building entrances will notify individuals that they may be subject to screening. Students may request a search by an employee of the same gender, and the district will make every effort to accommodate such requests. Searches must not be overly intrusive and will take into account the student’s age, gender, and the nature of the suspected infraction.

If a screening detects an object and the student refuses or if there’s a reason to believe they pose an immediate threat, the student will be isolated and law enforcement will be contacted. The district has also revised its visitor policy to include updated security and search protocols, ensuring that all visitors and their belongings are subject to screening at any time.

Considerations for Middle and K-8 Schools

The district has not yet decided to expand the use of metal detectors to middle schools or K-8 schools. According to the district, such an expansion would require the safety committee to meet again with additional members and would necessitate a detailed discussion about staffing levels. The current focus remains on the six high schools.

Kenosha school officials had previously reviewed various metal detection systems, but many were found to be too expensive, requiring both an upfront cost and a yearly subscription fee. They were also bulky and difficult to transport for large events. After consulting with other large school districts, Kenosha officials learned about a more portable and cost-effective system, which they evaluated firsthand at Milwaukee Public Schools’ Hamilton High School.

The CEIA OpenGate walk-through metal detector system used at Hamilton High School can screen approximately 300 people in 15 minutes, making it a practical choice for Kenosha’s needs. This system was selected for its efficiency and affordability, with no additional subscription fees.

The new policies and equipment are part of a broader effort to enhance school safety in the wake of several recent incidents, including the arrests of two students for bringing guns to school in February. While these events influenced the decision, the board emphasized that the move was based on a long-term review of safety protocols and community needs.

With the installation of the metal detectors now underway, the focus will shift to training staff and implementing the new search policies effectively. The district is also preparing for future reviews and potential expansions of the program, depending on the outcomes of the initial implementation and community feedback.