Emails reveal HCS refused offers to buy weapons detection system for schools

Emails reveal HCS refused offers to buy weapons detection system for schools

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. – Horry County Schools is the third largest school district in South Carolina, yet it remains one of the few districts without a weapons detection system. The district did emphasize it has magnetometers or metal detectors that can detect firearms, knives, and other contraband items. But they can only scan students one at a time. Student belongings have to be searched separately.

School Responds to Recent Events

Days after a middle school student brought a loaded gun to Myrtle Beach Middle School, WMBF Investigates filed a Freedom of Information Act Request to see if school leaders and other staff members had discussed these systems privately. WMBF News obtained hundreds of pages of emails from Dr. Rick Maxey, the superintendent for Horry County Schools, members of the support services team, school board members, and parents.

Refusal to Explore Security Measures

The emails show salespeople from different companies approached HCS about weapons detection systems, as early as June of 2022. But throughout the last two years, Dr. Maxey, and other leaders and staff members haven’t publicly brought the idea to the school board. Debbie Edmonds, a new board member, expressed concern about the district’s safety measures.

Parental Concerns

Parents, like Meredith Kennedy, are also worried about the safety of their children. Kennedy addressed specific concerns in an email to the school board, highlighting the need for a weapons detection system. Despite offers from companies like Evolv and Opengate, HCS officials have refused to explore these security measures.

Delay in Implementing Security Measures

Horry County also does not have district-wide policies when it comes to clear bags or mandatory bag searches. The district said that’s up to individual principals. Lisa Bourcier, the director of strategic communications at HCS, mentioned that the district has delayed getting a weapons detection system because it was waiting on results from a security audit.

Committee Formation and Future Steps

A committee HCS formed in response to the recent incident has met at least three times. Bourcier could not confirm if the committee will call a special meeting on March 18 to discuss new security recommendations. The ongoing discussions highlight the pressing need for improved safety measures in Horry County Schools.