Photo: Catherine McQueen / Moment / Getty Images
Albany High School is moving forward with plans to upgrade its security system, aiming to enhance safety for students and staff. The City School District of Albany held a public forum to discuss the new security measures, which include advanced scanning technology for backpacks and bags, similar to airport security systems. These upgrades are designed to speed up entry times and improve accuracy, according to Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter.
The new system will replace the current manual bag checks with machines that allow staff to view contents on screens, thereby increasing efficiency and privacy. The existing walk-through scanners will also be updated to provide detailed images that highlight any items of concern. Superintendent Hochreiter expressed hope that the new equipment would be operational by the end of the year, pending the availability of trainers in December.
Parents at the forum raised concerns about being informed after students learned of the changes. Hochreiter acknowledged this oversight and committed to better communication moving forward. The district plans to hold additional meetings to engage with families and address any questions or concerns.
Mayor-elect Dorcey Applyrs emphasized the city's commitment to partnering with the school district to ensure student safety. The district's decision to postpone the initial launch of the new systems until more community engagement occurs reflects their dedication to collaborative planning.
The school district serves about 8,800 students across 16 schools, including Albany High School. The new security measures are part of a broader effort to maintain a safe learning environment for all.