Parents, students have mixed emotions towards MCPSS enhanced safety precautions
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — When Mobile County Public School students walk through the doors of their schools following summer break, changes in safety precautions will have arrived.
Superintendent Chresal Threadgill announced Wednesday to parents the increase in safety precautions.
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“It may not work,” Threadgill said. “It might not work, but I got to do something to protect my babies, and I know they not going to like it, and I know the parents are not going to like it, but I got to do something.”
Those changes include weapon detection screening systems described to be 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors. Vape detectors will be installed in middle and high school restrooms, and hoodies will not be allowed to be worn.
“I agree with them,” Amy Rogers told News 5. “I think whatever makes our kids safe, but I’m a mother.”
The only new policy that raises some concerns for parents is how cell phones will be prohibited. This school year, students’ phones will either be locked away in a box for the day or locked into a pouch. Students will regain access to their phones at the end of the school day.
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“It’s easier for them to text me while at school versus going to the office and calling me,” Amanda Wilkerson said. “It’s more of a convenience thing, but it can be a safety thing, too.”
“I do think locking them down could cause an issue, but I do think it’s a great thing because cell phones are a distraction,” Laquita Freeman said.
Some Mobile County Public School students said they are not thrilled about the new phone system.
“I think all the same things will be going on,” Alma Bryant High School junior Keegan O’Brien said. “If the kids are going to use their phone, they are going to use it.”
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However, some students, although they don’t agree, understand why the changes are in place.
“Being in the school system right now it didn’t really surprise me too much,” Alma Bryant High School senior Eli Collier said. “There been a lot of troubles in other schools, and I feel like they are pressing down on the whole county in general.”
MCPSS said two middle schools in the county used this system this past year, and they saw an increase in test scores and a decrease in disciplinary problems.
Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, clear backpacks will be required. The school systems said they will provide the bags to students for free.
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