PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Salem-Keizer Public Schools announced plans to expand school safety measures on Friday, including implementing weapon detection systems.

The decision to implement the weapon detection tools comes after a pilot program with the detection systems at South Salem High School in May. SKPS considered the pilot after a shooting near the school at Bush's Pasture Park in March led to the death of a 16-year-old boy and left two others hospitalized.

Under the pilot program, students and school visitors who entered the school were greeted by staff and required to pass through a screening process, and according to a SKPS survey, helped the school community feel safer.

The survey of over 1,000 students, parents, and staff found nearly 50% of students and nearly 75% of staff reported feeling safer with the weapon detection system in place.

“We are working every day to ensure that our schools are, first and foremost, safe places for learning,” said Superintendent Andrea Castañeda. “This decision was deliberate and measured, and made after engaging researchers, our community, and completing a comprehensive pilot at one of our high schools. In the pilot, we learned that it is possible to implement new safety measures, including weapon detection, in thoughtful ways that improve student and staff sense of safety.” 

The school district said during the pilot, student behavior and attendance violations decreased, and attendance improved.

“Our schools are the center of life in our neighborhoods and communities, and we want everyone to be safe and feel safe” said School Board Chair Cynthia Richardson. “Speaking only as one member of the board, I believe our school district is headed in the right direction by taking action to put more safety systems in place. Improvements to safety help our students focus on learning and our educators focus on instruction and building relationships.”

The district plans to implement weapon detection systems across all high schools by the end of the school year, with plans to bring the system to middle schools in 2026.

The total cost for the high school systems is still being assessed; however, school officials said costs will likely exceed $1.5 million. About half of the high school cost will be paid for by a restricted fund, meaning those funds cannot be allocated toward other resources.

“Our investment is in safety systems that prioritize the experience of students in schools,” said Chris Baldridge, director of Safety and Risk Management Services. “Student experience is not a corner we are willing to cut.” 

“We are responsible for the safety of the most precious people in your lives and members of our community,” said Castañeda. “We have to take action with reasonable measures that are within our reach. Weapons detection is not a solution to the underlying problem of fear, violence, and firearms in our community. It is simply an additional comprehensive layer to protect schools.”