CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools plans to add body scanners to 49 of its middle and K-8 schools in the upcoming school year, WCNC Charlotte's Shamarria Morrison confirmed Friday.
In a letter sent to CMS families and staff members, interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh said the district intends to install scanners like those in 21 CMS high schools.
"This effort demonstrates our commitment to providing a secure school environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally," the statement reads.
Hattabaugh cited an increase in gun sales nationwide since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as record numbers of weapons at CMS schools last year, including four firearms at middle and K-8 schools in the district.
"This decision comes with much thought and consideration of these national, regional and local trends," Hattabaugh wrote. "CMS will be expanding our efforts and taking the proactive steps necessary to protect our students, families and staff through the installation and use of Evolve scanners."
A timeline for the installation hasn't been shared as of Friday. Hattabaugh said details of the installation, including the schedule of schools, will be released once finalized.
The body scanners were first introduced to some CMS high schools in March as a measure to prevent weapons from getting inside school buildings. The pilot program started with a select group of high schools before they were eventually added to every high school in CMS.
CMS spent just under $5 million for the 21 body scanners in its high schools. One gun was found by the scanners, at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, in May.
Some students said the body scanners caused long lines, but they received mostly positive reviews. That included Juan Torres Muñoz, the CMS School Board student advisor.
"At the beginning, I didn't support them fully," he said. "But I think that the body scanners are a mature solution."
CMS responded to concerns about the long lines, calling them "growing pains" caused by a new system. The body scanners were expected to be used in combination with clear backpacks, but CMS opted to auction off nearly 46,000 backpacks it purchased due to a Proposition 65 warning label that led to possible health concerns.
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