Frustrated Florida Families React to New School Security Measures That Delayed Students’ First Day

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Parents in Broward County, Florida, are expressing frustration after new security measures at local high schools led to significant delays and confusion on the first day of school. The introduction of metal detectors in 38 high schools was intended to enhance student safety but has resulted in chaotic scenes and extended wait times.

The new protocols, which began on the first day of the 2024/25 academic year, have not gone smoothly. Many students faced long waits at metal detectors, with some waiting up to 90 minutes before they could enter their classrooms. The situation was exacerbated by the high number of students—over 3,000 at some schools—and the limited number of metal detectors available.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the site of the tragic 2018 shooting, was particularly affected. Parents reported that their children spent over an hour outside in the heat before being admitted. One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, described the experience as "chaotic" and said that her son was unable to reach his first period class until nearly the end of the period.

The issues were compounded by additional requirements, such as removing metal-ring binders from bags, which further slowed the process. Teachers are already considering alternatives, such as plastic binders, to streamline the entry process in the future.

Despite receiving advance notice about the new procedures, many families were caught off guard by the extent of the delays. "We were told there would be delays, but this was beyond what we expected," said one parent. "It was frustrating to see my child miss a significant portion of the first day."

In addition to the security changes, the district has also implemented a strict new cellphone policy, requiring students to turn off their devices once inside the school. This policy has raised concerns among parents, especially in light of past incidents like the Parkland shooting, where communication during emergencies was critical.

John Sullivan, a spokesperson for Broward Schools, acknowledged the issues and apologized for the disruption. "We apologize for the long lines and wait times at the metal detectors this morning," Sullivan said in a statement. "We are committed to improving the process and making the necessary adjustments."

Despite the problems, some parents urge patience, understanding that the new measures are intended to ensure safety. "People are quick to complain, but the goal is to keep everyone safe," one parent remarked. "We need to give them time to work out the kinks."

As the district works to refine the new procedures, students and families are hopeful that future school days will be less affected by these growing pains.