News Summary
The Leon County School Board has unanimously voted for new security measures in response to recent weapon-related incidents on school campuses. Key decisions include potential implementation of metal detection systems and a pilot drone program. A public hearing is set to address amendments to emergency management policies. The district is also enhancing volunteer safety protocols and actively seeking more community volunteers to support education initiatives. These measures reflect the board’s commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.
Leon County, Florida – The Leon County School Board convened on September 23, 2025, to discuss and vote on new security measures following a series of weapon-related incidents on school campuses. Every vote during the meeting was unanimous, underscoring the board’s commitment to student safety. Key decisions made included the approval of recommendations from the District’s School Security Risk Assessment, although the details of these recommendations remain confidential and are exempt from public records.
A public hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2025, to address proposed amendments to various policies related to emergency management and campus security. These discussions will focus on Policy 8420, which details emergency management and campus security protocols. Additionally, the board plans to examine alterations to Policy 9150, emphasizing visitor identification badges and regulations for Board Members and Legislators.
During the upcoming hearing, the board will also consider amendments to Policy 8407 concerning Safe-School Officers, which will include guidelines for security guard training and reporting protocols to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Another policy amendment under consideration is Policy 7510, focusing on the Use of District Facilities, with a particular update concerning open track usage.
Superintendent Rocky Hanna has expressed strong concern over recent weapon-related incidents, which resulted in three arrests in just two days. As part of the district’s response, the potential implementation of metal detection systems at high school entrances is being considered to prevent weapons from entering schools. Furthermore, the district is looking into a pilot drone program for active shooter scenarios, projected to cost approximately $1 million.
Aside from security measures, the board approved a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Agreement with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Inc. for $42,000. This program aims to assist staff with various personal issues that could impact job performance. Out of county travel for Board Chair Cox and Board Member Smith was also authorized, allowing them to attend the 2025 FSBA Board of Directors’ meeting from October 8-10, 2025, with costs covered by FSBA.
Another important initiative approved during the meeting was a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend, partnering with the 21st Century Community Learning Center program to provide after-school activities on multiple campuses for the 2025-2026 school year.
In light of new state laws, the district has heightened security measures to ensure volunteer safety, which now requires a $61 fingerprinting fee for individuals seeking level 2 clearance as field trip chaperones and academic mentors. This development aims to enhance safety and security within the schools.
Moreover, the Leon County School District is actively seeking to recruit more community volunteers to support educational initiatives. This appeal comes amid a notable drop in volunteer numbers following the pandemic, indicating a need for increased parental and community involvement in schools.
The upcoming meetings and policy amendments reflect the Leon County School Board’s proactive approach to enhance campus safety and ensure that all students can attend school in a secure environment.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs
- Tallahassee.com: Metal Detectors at High Schools
- WXTL: Leon County High Schools May Introduce Metal Detectors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- Tallahassee.com: Volunteering with Leon County Schools
- Wikipedia: School Security
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
