The West Haven Board of Education has placed metal detectors at West Haven High School and Harry M. Bailey Middle School for additional security, as announced by Superintendent Neil Cavallaro.
The metal detectors are being installed the week of Dec. 20 and were activated when students and staff returned from winter recess, Monday. The metal detectors will be placed at the entrances of the high school and middle school, and will be utilized at selected school-sponsored activities, including sporting events.
Given the widely publicized national uptick in school-related threats in recent weeks, the decision was made to employ the precautionary measure. Concerns voiced by parents, staff and students support the use of this action to keep our schools secure and promote a positive and safe school climate. The West Haven Public Schools will launch the use of the metal detectors with the assistance of the West Haven Police Department and on-site security staff from Century Protective Services, who participated in the development of the implementation plan.
Superintendent of Schools Neil Cavallaro cautions that, initially, delays may occur at West Haven High School and Harry M. Bailey Middle School while students and staff acclimate to the new arrival procedures. Students and parents should be prepared to arrive early and are encouraged to be patient while staff members assist with the new safety protocols.