New Security Screenings Considered For PWC Schools: Superintendent

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The Prince William County school system is exploring a new security screening technology, superintendent LaTanya McDade said on Friday. McDade said the new technology would be similar to the threat-detection technology used at sports stadiums and museums.

McDade said the school system would start talking to community members about the proposed security system this month. The new screening technology could be at schools as soon as August 2023, the superintendent said.

In her letter to the community, McDade emphasized the school system's focus on safety after a recent shooting at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News. There, a 6-year-old boy shot and seriously injured his teacher, police said.

Read more: 6-Year-Old Used Mom's Gun To Shoot Teacher: VA Police Chief

"My heart broke when I learned of the devastating news of last Friday’s tragedy involving gun violence in Newport News, VA, less than three hours away," McDade wrote on Friday. "Unfortunately, the news of the recent school shooting is not an isolated incident and PWCS recognizes the need to respond proactively to this discouraging nationwide trend."

The Prince William County school system focuses safety education programs and social-emotional support in an effort to deter violence, McDade said.

"PWCS believes student holistic wellness is a fundamental part of education and human development," McDade wrote. "In our educational practices, we continue to embed emotional awareness, social connectivity, and reflectively inclusive practices."

More information about the school system's safety education and emotional support programs are available online.

The Manassas City school system has already implemented a security screening system at Osbourn High School. The Manassas City School Board voted to approve the security system in December 2022 on a four-year contract.