No Metal Detectors At Lawrence Public Schools: Superintendent

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Officials at Lawrence Township Public Schools said they have no plans of installing metal detectors at district schools after a student was found with a loaded handgun last week.

During the Dec. 8 Board meeting, Superintendent Ross Kasun said he received a few emails requesting metal detectors at school.

“We've explored that possibility in the past. And frankly, it often gives a sense of false security, and the way a school is designed, I am not sure it keeps us safe,” Kasun said.

"I know that a metal detector would not have made a difference. And in my opinion, it probably would have made the situation worse.”

Kasun said it was “relationships that matter and make a difference.” Especially people speaking up when they see something isn’t right.

Lawrence High School was put on lockdown the morning of Dec. 8 after a student was found with a loaded handgun. No injuries were reported.

Shortly after 8:30 a.m., school authorities were informed that a student might be in possession of a weapon. Working with the School Resource Officer Steven Austin, district authorities immediately located the student and conducted a search, during which a loaded handgun was found. The student was immediately taken into custody without incident. Read More Here: Lawrence High School Student Found With Loaded Handgun: Police

Out of an abundance of caution, the school building and all student backpacks were searched. After the search, the building was cleared and students were permitted to continue with the rest of the day. No other weapons were found by police during their investigation, authorities said.

Kasun said authorities decided not to close the school as they felt the high school was the best place for students to be. "We had counseling available. Many counselors came in from the other schools,” Kasun said.

“We also had lunch ready for them (students). And a skilled staff who can continue to watch them throughout the day, and keep an eye on them. And to buy more than anything, some normalcy.”

Kasun and the school administrative team “walked the hallways,” went to the lunchroom, went to the cafeteria, and into classrooms throughout the day. “And we saw our students being kids, and happy to be here in school with their friends.”

The Superintendent said that the safety and security of students and staff was a “top priority” for district officials and that weapons of any kind will not be permitted on school property.

Any student caught with a weapon will be referred to the police and punished accordingly, he said. As per board policy, a student with a weapon will also be expelled from school.

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