KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a sweeping new student search policy and to purchase walk-through metal detectors for all six of the district’s high schools, marking one of the most significant security expansions in recent years.

The action came during the board’s Feb. 24 regular meeting, where Policy 5451 — Student Searches and Security Screenings — received both first and second readings and final approval . In the same meeting, the board approved the purchase of 18 walk-through metal detectors and 15 hand-held metal detection wands for use at district high schools .

District administrators said the changes stem from safety committee recommendations first initiated in December 2024, when the board directed a group of approximately 15 members — including administrators, principals, school board members and Kenosha Police Department staff — to review district safety measures .

The new policy formally authorizes school officials to conduct searches of students and their belongings when “reasonable suspicion” exists that a student may be violating the law or district policy. It also permits the use of metal detectors and hand-held wands when an administrator has reasonable suspicion a student possesses a weapon, or for random screenings conducted through a neutral selection process .

Under the policy, signage will be posted at entrances stating that individuals may be subject to screening and that entry constitutes consent . The policy also makes clear that strip searches are strictly prohibited.

In addition to student searches, the board approved revisions to its visitor policy, which now explicitly subjects visitors and their belongings to district security and search protocols while on school property . The revised visitor policy allows the district to use walk-through and hand-held metal detectors at any time and states that refusal to comply with security screenings will result in denied entry .

The district plans to install CEIA OpenGate walk-through metal detector systems at the following high schools:

• Bradford High School (4 units)
• Harborside Academy/Reuther Central High School (2 units)
• Hillcrest School (1 unit)
• Indian Trail High School & Academy (5 units)
• Lakeview Technology Academy (2 units)
• Tremper High School (4 units)

Administrators recommended the purchase of 18 walk-through units at a cost of $469,650 and 15 handheld wands for $3,840, with funding coming from general fund reserves .

Each walk-through lane is capable of screening approximately 300 people every 15 minutes, according to district materials.

The recommendation follows what district officials described as recent incidents at high schools and in the broader community, creating what they called a growing need for enhanced security measures.

It is not yet clear when installation will begin, but district staff indicated the rollout is expected to be prioritized, particularly in light of weapons concerns in school buildings.

The measures were approved unanimously as part of the board’s Feb. 24 regular meeting agenda.