SHOULD CHS ADD METAL DETECTORS? PRINCIPAL SAYS NO

CHS principal Elizabeth Aaron

Monday's lockdown at Columbia High School sparked by one student's arrest with brass knuckles and claims of another person, later arrested, with a knife, raise the question of whether metal detectors or other security measures should be put in place.

By all accounts the school, district and police acted properly and with the utmost professionalism as they searched the entire school before allowing students to return.

But is that enough today? If metal detectors can add a layer of protection and piece of mind, are they worth having? Or does such an atmosphere of heavy security spark even more stress and worry that may be needless?

We asked principal Elizabeth Aaron what she thought of the idea of metal detectors. Her answer via email was firm:

The school culture that I wish to build, work, lead , and teach in is one in which
metal detectors are not necessary. I have always believed that, and always will.