Douglas County Schools Reject Costly Metal Detector Expansion

By Nicholas Fogleman | The Denver Gazette

The Douglas County School District board rejected a cost sharing program proposed by the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners that would have installed metal detectors at up to 10 district schools.

Board members cited high and recurring costs, staffing concerns and a lack of conclusive research showing the systems reduce school violence at their April board meeting.

“I appreciate the commissioners want to help us, but this is unsustainable for our district,” Director Kyrzia Parker said. 

Deputy Superintendent Danelle Hiatt presented an overview of the county’s proposal, which included installing Evolv metal detection systems and backpack search stations and funding for two school resource officers at rural elementary schools. 

The only district school currently using the technology is STEM School Highlands Ranch, where it was installed in 2023 as part of a county-funded pilot program following a school shooting in 2019.

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