Kenosha School Board OKs Metal Detectors at All 6 High Schools

KENOSHA, Wis. (WRJN) – The Kenosha Unified School District will soon install walk-through metal detectors at all six of its high schools in a major step to strengthen security.

The School Board unanimously approved the plan Tuesday night, along with a new policy that allows school officials to use handheld wands if there is reasonable suspicion that a student may have a weapon. District leaders said the $475,000 project will be paid for from general fund reserves.

The detectors will be placed at Bradford, Tremper, Indian Trail, LakeView, Hillcrest and Reuther high schools. Officials said the system, called CEIA OpenGate, can screen about 300 people every 15 minutes per lane and is more portable and cost-effective than traditional metal detectors.

The decision follows two recent arrests at Bradford High School in which one student brought a loaded gun to school and another was caught with ammunition. There have also been threats toward two middle schools this month.

Supporters said the move is a common‑sense measure that prioritizes safety. Critics countered that metal detectors send the wrong message and fail to address mental health issues that often leads to violence.

Back in 2024, Racine Unified’s school board approved spending close to $700,000 for nine weapon detection devices and their training.