LARGO, Fla. — After a trial period for weapons detection systems at two high schools was cut short, Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick plans to discuss any potential future for the program with school board members Tuesday.
In early April, the district started a pilot program at Gibbs and Palm Harbor University high schools where students would walk through weapon detection systems as they enter the school campus each day. The program was initially set to last until May 29, but one week in, Hendrick announced it would conclude after just two weeks.
“The last day of the school-based pilots will be Friday, April 17, to ensure there’s no impacts as our high schools begin international testing and state testing soon thereafter,” Hendrick told school board members during a meeting mid-April.
In the initial days of the rollout, students reported long lines in the early-morning while waiting to enter the school building. On some of the days, the screening process ended early so students wouldn’t be late for their first class.
A trial program for weapon detection systems lasted 2 weeks at Gibbs & Palm Harbor University high schools.
New data shows the systems alerted to 9.1% of students at Palm Harbor & 7% of students at Gibbs. Things like water bottles, art projects were flagged by machines @BN9 pic.twitter.com/13w34TLTi2
— Angie Angers (@angie_angers) May 12, 2026
At Gibbs High School, a total of 9,744 students walked through the weapon detection systems at the start of the school day. The system alerted a total of 683 times, affecting about 7% of students.
At Palm Harbor University High, 16,729 walked through the detectors. The system alerted 1,529 times, affecting 9.1% of students.
Different items that the district reported set the system off were large water bottles, big art supplies like metal frames, shears for costume design courses, and the position of backpacks as they passed through the detectors.
Hendrick stated that for the remainder of the school year, the weapon detection systems will be used at large school-sanctioned events.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the district will analyze if the systems will be used going forward on a more permanent basis. The district says the units cannot be paid for using the state’s School Hardening Grant.