Nashville, TN, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The Metro Nashville Public Schools board has approved the installation of weapon detection systems in all middle schools. This decision, following concerns over school violence and a previous shooting incident, aims to enhance security. The Evolv weapons detection systems, utilizing AI technology, will offer a modern alternative to metal detectors and are estimated to cost $1.125 million annually, funded by a state grant. Installation is set to begin after fall break, and training sessions for students and staff will be provided to address safety concerns.
Nashville, TN – The Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) board has unanimously approved the installation of weapon detection systems in all middle schools in the district. This decision, made during a voting session on Tuesday night, aims to enhance security amid growing safety concerns related to school violence.
Following a recent shooting incident at Antioch High School earlier in the year, the proposal to pilot the expansion of Evolv weapons detection systems was prioritized. Previously, these systems were implemented in all high schools as a preventive measure. The new installation for middle schools is estimated to cost approximately $1.125 million per year, which will be funded by a state school safety grant.
The Evolv systems utilize advanced artificial intelligence to detect concealed weapons, offering a modern alternative to traditional metal detectors. Instead of requiring students to pass through metal detection gates, Evolv panels function similarly to scanners used in stadiums or airports, allowing for smoother transitions and potentially reducing congestion during school hours.
Installation of the middle school pilot program is scheduled to commence after fall break, which occurs in mid-October. The rollout is set to go live in about two schools each week. Early successes have been reported by Minnesota officials, where the Evolv scanners implemented at high schools have led to the arrest of students caught with loaded guns.
Despite the focus on safety, various board members expressed concerns regarding the use of weapon detectors in middle schools, emphasizing their grief over the necessity of such systems for younger students. To address these concerns, MNPS plans to conduct training and information sessions for both students and staff as the new systems are put into operation.
MNPS Director Adrienne Battle highlighted the imperative of ensuring school safety, drawing attention to her personal experiences with school-related violence in the past. The decision to transition to the Evolv system came after the previously deployed AI-powered weapon detection system, Omnilert, failed to demonstrate adequate effectiveness during the Antioch High incident, raising questions about its reliability.
Additionally, Evolv Technologies has faced criticism regarding its marketing practices. The company was scrutinized for alleged misleading claims concerning the effectiveness of its screening systems, leading to a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.
Key Features of Evolv Weapons Detection Systems
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology | Utilizes artificial intelligence for concealed weapon detection |
| Type of System | Non-intrusive scanner similar to those in stadiums or airports |
| Cost | $1.125 million per year, funded by state school safety grant |
| Implementation Schedule | Installation to begin after fall break, circa mid-October |
| Prior System | Omnilert system was previously used but lacked effectiveness |
FAQs
What will the cost be for implementing the weapon detection systems in middle schools?
The contract includes a cost of $1.125 million per year for implementing the middle school systems, funded by a state school safety grant.
When is the installation of the weapon detection system set to begin?
The middle school pilot program is set to begin installation after fall break in mid-October, launching in approximately two schools each week.
What technology does the Evolv system utilize?
The system utilizes artificial intelligence to detect concealed weapons, differing from traditional metal detectors.
What are the experiences reported from the Minnesota high schools using Evolv systems?
Officials have seen successes with the Evolv scanners at high schools, including arrests of students found with loaded guns.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Nashville School Community Struggles After Covenant Shooting
Vanderbilt University Launches New Mental Health Initiative
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: MNPS Expanding Weapon Detection Systems
- Tennessean: MNPS to Install Evolv Weapon Detectors
- Fox17: Nashville Expanding Weapons Detection Pilot
- NewsChannel5: Install Weapons Detection in Middle Schools
- Nashville Banner: MNPS Evolv Scanners for Middle Schools
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Google Search: Weapon Detection Systems
- Google Scholar: Artificial Intelligence in School Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Violence
- Google News: Nashville Middle Schools Weapon Detection
Author: HERE Nashville
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