PEORIA, Ill. – After a pair of recent shootings at Manual High School, the president of Peoria Public Schools Board of Education is asking the board to reconsider installing metal detectors at the district’s three high schools.
Board President Gregory said Monday night, “I think we need to get that piloted and then maybe look at our options and see about getting that back on the agenda.”
Wilson’s comments came at Monday’s board meeting after he and Superintendent Kherat praised the Peoria Police chief’s call for male role models to show up outside Manual High in support of students early Monday morning, as they started a new week.
In July, the school board voted not to rent weapon detection technology from Evolv, which included an x-ray system to check bags, and advanced software to detect different types of weapons.
The security system was tested at Richwoods High School in May, and costs $121,000 a year to rent.
The shootings last week near Manual High happened outside, with the school building hit by multiple gunshots on Friday afternoon. A 15-year-old boy, who had been suspended earlier in the day, allegedly came back with a gun, and now faces charges including discharge of a firearm.
Dr. Kherat said she was surprised to see close to 200 men show up at Manual on short notice. Chief Echevarria called her with the idea Sunday night.
“I said, ‘I love it, go for it,’” Kherat commented.
Kherat said Manual students smiled because of the community’s support and encouragement.
“That’s what I love about our city,” Kherat said. “City of gratitude, city of love, the city loves Peoria Public Schools.”
The superintendent said Chief Echevarria is one of the best police chiefs she’s worked with during her 11 years on the job with PPS.
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