Greece schools implement new equipment to screen people and bags

Greece, N.Y. (WHAM) — Principal Brian Lumb of Greece Arcadia Middle School said when it comes to security screening devices for students getting into school, school leaders had a system they weren't wild about – so they explored options, and they found something that works.

“We decided that we would be the first to implement the new system for the district before it goes districtwide," said Lumb.

The new walk-through body scanners from MIS and bag scanners from Linev are meant primarily to screen for weapons, and had a long testing period.

“Safety is No. 1 priority for our students," said Casey Voelkl, the Greece Central School District's head of safety and security. "No learning or anything else can really occur unless they feel safe and secure."

The system also supports the upcoming statewide classroom cellphone ban, something Greece implemented three years ago. It’s also meant to detect devices like vapes.

The scanners are already in Arcadia, and will be coming to Olympia the week of June 2, then Athena and Odyssey in September.

Arcadia students held a simulation Tuesday, and all went relatively smoothly.

“I would say a lot of kids missed homeroom, but it really doesn't take that long," said Santino, an eighth grade student.

“I feel like it adds a bit more time on to our morning routine," said Maxwell, a freshman.

“I feel like it makes you feel safer," said Lyony, a sixth grade student. "But for some kids, it gives them anxiety and stuff."

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Even with this, though, Voelkl said kids can be creative when it comes to sneaking stuff through.

"We have seen kids trying to get phones and other things past our system, and I think they're starting to realize that it's pretty much not worth the effort," he said.

Lumb said with anything new, there’s going to be pushback.

"We're taking the time to listen to them and see what they're saying, and trying to come up with some alternatives to help them feel a little bit more comfortable with that," he said.

If students are caught with weapons, vapes, or phones during this process, Lumb said they will be held accountable.

"There is going to be a consequence paired with some type of restorative learning activity that we're going to ask the child to do," Lumb said.

The district said the scanners were funded via the Stronger Connections Grant to cover the costs.

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