RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN -  A new layer of protection is being added to school buildings throughout Rutherford County… That was Chief Communications Officer James Evans. He told WGNS the county wants to ensure their schools, and that means every single school under the county, are known as the safest in the state…

Weapon detectors will be implemented at each school and have the ability to pick-up on everything from knives to guns, depending on how the system is programed… These systems allow for a seamless flow of students, minimizing delays during school entry. If all goes as planned,  the systems will be installed over the upcoming summer break and their scheduled start date could coincide with the start of the next school year, 2025-2026. However, exact details are not being released as it revolves around school security.

The funding formula behind the new detection systems makes the county schools stand-out even more, as explained by the communications officer… Again, funding for this $2.6 million project comes from state allocations awarded to the district for high performance, as approved by the Rutherford County Commission.

On a related note, Rutherford County Schools are also exploring the purchase of handheld metal detector wands for use at school functions and special events. These portable devices would complement the larger detection systems by allowing for more targeted, in-depth screenings when needed. The wands may be kept in school security offices or with principals, though no final decisions have been announced. Scroll down to watch a video previously posted by the RCS school system.

• Click HERE to listen to our 40-minute interview (Podcast) with the county schools.