Unlike standard metal detectors, the Evolv Express Weapons Detection System uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to screen students and visitors while they walk through the entry without stopping or handing over their belongings. It can operate up to 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors, eliminating congestion and ignoring personal items like cell phones and keys.
When a potential threat is detected by the system, image-aided alarms show guards where the potential threat is located on a person or in a bag, which reduces the amount of physical contact required. It will also require fewer staff members in the screening process each day.
School Superintendent Steve Miracle told school board members at Thursday's meeting that a committee formed in December traveled to a school in Champaign, Illinois to see the system in action. After that review, the committee highly recommended purchasing the Evolv system.
Marshall County will be getting six weapons detection systems from Evolv. Two apiece will be installed at Marshall County High School, North Marshall and South Marshall Middle Schools.
Once the Evolv system is installed, the metal detectors currently being used at the high school and middle schools will be distributed to the elementary schools to be utilized for visitors.
The district expects the Evolv Weapons Detection System to be fully in place by the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
The district will use a little over $400,000 of ESSER funds and applied grants to purchase four of those systems, which includes the hardware and software.
Jill Lemond and Jennifer Tuttle from Evolv Techology speak at the Marshall County School Board meeting on Thursday (Photo: Marshall County Board of Education)
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