J.P. Taravella High School chosen for district’s metal detector pilot

Coral Springs, Florida – J.P. Taravella High School was chosen as one of two campuses for a metal detector pilot program, putting it at the forefront of security improvements for Broward County Public campuses.

This summer will mark the beginning of this program, which aims to ensure a weapons-free environment and campus safety.

The choice of J.P. Taravella High School and Charles W. Flanagan High School, according to BCPS, highlights the district’s dedication to student safety and proactive steps to protect learning environments.

The operational components of the metal detector deployment will be refined thanks in large part to the success of the pilot program at those two schools, which will also serve as a model for the eventual rollout to eight more schools in the 2024–2025 academic year.

The Broward County School Board recently approved the introduction of walk-through metal detectors and provided $540,000 for the first phase of the project, which will cover ten campuses.

Dr. Peter B. Licata, the superintendent of BCPS, has firmly backed this effort and emphasized that safety is the district’s top priority.

“The integration of walk-through metal detectors is an important step forward for our District,” said Licata. Safety is our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to keep weapons off our campuses. This initiative adds another layer to the safety measures currently in place.”

A forum for additional discussions on the project, including an overview of the eight schools scheduled for the next phase of the program’s introduction in the 2024–2025 academic year, will be provided by the School Board session scheduled for April 23.

By the 2025–2026 school year, BCPS hopes to have implemented this safety safeguard in all remaining high schools.