Nashville, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Metro Nashville Public Schools is set to expand weapon detection systems to all middle schools, starting in Fall. The decision follows a tragic shooting incident and is aimed at enhancing student safety. The Evolv technology, which utilizes artificial intelligence to identify concealed weapons, will cost approximately $1.125 million annually. Rollout will begin after fall break, with installations planned for two middle schools each week. The district aims to provide training to staff and students and will evaluate the system’s effectiveness through a pilot program before long-term funding commitments.
Nashville – Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) leadership has announced the expansion of weapon detection systems to all middle schools in the district starting in Fall 2023. This decision was unanimously approved by the school board and follows the tragic shooting incident at Antioch High School earlier this year, which led to the initial installation of Evolv weapon detection systems at high school campuses.
The approved Evolv technology employs artificial intelligence to identify concealed weapons, differentiating itself from conventional metal detectors. The initial contract for the installations in high schools costs the district approximately $1.25 million per year. The estimated annual cost for the expansion to middle schools is approximately $1.125 million.
Details regarding which specific middle schools will receive the scanners and the timeline for the rollout were not disclosed by officials prior to the school board meeting. However, MNPS plans to use a $1.3 million state safety grant to fund the installations. The implementation is projected to begin after the fall break, with approximately two middle schools receiving installations each week.
The Evolv systems have previously proven effective, having detected several weapons, including a loaded gun in a student’s backpack at Maplewood High School, which subsequently led to an arrest. MNPS intends to incorporate a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems before moving forward with long-term funding commitments. Training for staff and students on the functionality of the new systems will be provided, and families will be notified one week in advance of the implementation.
While the school board members expressed varied sentiments regarding the necessity of introducing weapon detection systems in middle schools, they reached a consensus emphasizing the safety of vulnerable students. The board members acknowledged the difficult decision involved in implementing the technology, given its impact on younger students’ perceptions of normalcy within their school environment.
Metro Nashville Public Schools also operates a previously installed AI-powered weapon detection system called Omnilert. This system faced scrutiny in light of the Antioch High incident, during which it failed to detect the shooter’s weapon. The Evolv systems are expected to streamline the morning entry process while enhancing overall safety for students. If the pilot program proves successful, MNPS hopes to integrate funding for the system into the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget.
The expansion reflects MNPS’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment, incorporating the technology as part of a comprehensive strategy combining safety measures, staff training, and community partnerships. As the school district evolves its safety protocols, it grapples with balancing effective security measures with an environment conducive to learning for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weapon detection system will be implemented in Metro Nashville middle schools?
The Metro Nashville Public Schools will implement Evolv weapon detection systems in middle schools starting in Fall 2023.
What is the estimated cost for installing the weapon detection systems in middle schools?
The expansion to middle schools is estimated to cost $1.125 million annually.
When will the installation of weapon detection systems begin in middle schools?
The installations are projected to begin after the fall break.
How many middle schools will receive the installations each week?
Approximately two middle schools will receive installations each week.
What prior system was used before Evolv?
Metro Nashville Public Schools previously used an AI-powered weapon detection system called Omnilert.
Key Features of the Evolv Weapon Detection Systems
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology | Utilizes artificial intelligence to detect concealed weapons. |
| Comparison | Differs from traditional metal detectors by allowing for quicker passage and less disruption. |
| Annual Cost for High Schools | Approximately $1.25 million per year. |
| Annual Cost for Middle Schools | Estimated at $1.125 million. |
| Funding Source | State safety grant of $1.3 million for middle school installations. |
| Implementation Timeline | Rollout of installations starting after the fall break, two schools per week. |
| Training Provided | Staff and student training will be part of the implementation process. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nashville Installs Weapon Detection Systems in Middle Schools
Metro Nashville Public Schools Faces Budget Challenges
Vanderbilt University Reveals Major Expansion Plans
Nashville Schools Approve Weapon Detection Systems for Middle Schools
Shooting at Nashville High School Highlights Flaws in AI Detection
Nashville Middle School Students Charged for Violent Threats
Antioch Residents Concerned About Proposed Multi-Family Development
Nashville Schools Consider A.I. Security Sensors After Shooting
Concerns Rise Over Student Threats in Nashville Schools
Middle Tennessee Schools Close Amid Severe Weather Warnings
Additional Resources
- WSMV: Metro Nashville Public Schools Expanding Weapon Detection Systems
- Wikipedia: School Security
- NewsChannel 5: MNPS to Install Weapons Detection Systems
- Google Search: Weapon Detection Systems
- Fox17: Metro Nashville Expanding Weapons Detection Pilot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Tennessean: Nashville Schools to Install Evolv Weapon Detectors
- Google News: Nashville Schools Weapon Detection
- Nashville Banner: MNPS Evolv Scanners in Middle Schools
Author: HERE Nashville
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