CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – While Albemarle County high schools began using weapon screening systems last week, the same plans aren’t in place for Charlottesville High School.
“There are no current discussions about changing the policy,” Charlottesville City Schools spokesperson Beth Cheuk told Cville Right Now in an email.
The current policy, which went into effect in August 2024, calls for weapons screenings only at public, ticketed events where more than 250 spectators are expected.
At that time, the division purchased two sets of CEIA OpenGate screening systems, at a cost of approximately $40,000, Cheuk said.
Each unit requires two staff members to operate and administrator to oversee the operation, plus at least one police officer on-site during screenings.
Cheuk said the decision to screen for weapons at large events, such as football games, but not for every-day entry into the school building, came from a February 2024 survey of staff, students, families and community members.
“There was widespread support (60%) in favor of screening for weapons at large public events,” Cheuk said. “Fewer than half of respondents supported using detection upon student arrival (44% in favor). At that time, the School Board voted to authorize the spending to implement the system at large public events.”
Cheuk said the chief deterrent for students against bringing firearms to school is the division’s policy as listed in the students’ rights and responsibilities. Violating the policy can result in long-term suspensions, expulsions and referral to law enforcement.
“School security experts stress that the foundation of school safety is strong relationships and positive school culture, and this is a big area of emphasis for us,” Cheuk said. “We also remind staff, students, and families of the “see something, say something” mindset so that we can quickly address any situation that may be concerning.”
Starting next school year, Charlottesville High School plans to have uniformed police officer – a student resource officer – on duty. Albemarle County has one in each of its three high schools this year.
Currently, the school is crafting a memorandum of understanding, in concert with school officials and community members, to outline the parameters of its SRO program.
“I think there’s a lot of value to it,” CPD chief Michael Kochis told Cville Right Now. “You’ve got to have the right person in the schools. You have got to have the right cop there. I know some cops I wouldn’t want in the schools. They’re great cops, but they may not be the best SROs. So, we’ve got to make sure to get the right person.”
