‘It’s a relief’: Prince William parents support adding security screening tech at schools
As Prince William County Public Schools considers installing new security screening technology, the district held its first of a series of community meetings Wednesday night — aimed on receiving feedback from families.
The technology was placed center stage in Gainesville High School’s auditorium. The makers of the screening system were there to show parents how the security lanes work.
Kimberly Vega, the mother of a sophomore at the school, said she supports the additional step.
“As parents we’re just nervous and scared that something can happen and we just don’t want it to happen,” she said. “We want to make sure that they’re safe.”
Chrissy Fauls, the mother of a junior in the school district, said was also in support of installing the machines in the wake of past school shootings.
“The fear is real,” she said. “The fear is real with the parents, the teachers, the kids.”
Prince William County Public Schools aimed to gather public input, those at the meeting were widely in favor of the added security.
Demonstrators described how the machines would serve as a visual deterrent while also reassuring students heading to class.
“I think it’s a relief,” said Fauls. “I think it’s an exhale a little bit because they know they’re walking through it. They know people care and they know people are looking for things that could hurt them.”
There are at least three more meetings scheduled to focus on this issue. Two will be held in Woodbridge, and the third is a virtual meeting.
