Student and School Safety

Enhanced safety and security measures will be implemented at our Education Service Center, including the use of weapons detection systems and wanding, and the implementation of clear bag procedures beginning 11/14/2023 that are consistent with the clear bag policy for our athletic events. All bags are subject to search as allowable by law. We strongly encourage bags to be left in individuals’ vehicles.

Entry procedures: All visitors will be required to go through our weapons detection units. A single line will be formed as visitors enter through the main entrance of the Education Service Center. Officers and volunteers will help inform visitors where the line forms, where to wait, and how to proceed through the weapon detection system unit. 

• Visitors will enter the Mason Education Service Center building and stop at the second set of main entrance doors to be directed to pass through the weapon detection unit.

  • The Board of Education, Executive Cabinet Team members, and working press are expected to follow the clear bag policy, with the following allowable exceptions:

    • If they have a laptop/work bag to hold confidential documentation or documents for the board meeting, their bag is subject to search as allowable by law. Board members and Executive Cabinet team members should announce to the officer(s) overseeing the security process to identify themselves as needed.

  • Community audience members are expected to follow the clear bag policy (consistent with the clear bag policy for athletics). In the event a clear bag or small clutch is overpacked and one is unable to see the contents of the bag, then security will scan the bag after the community member walks through the weapons detection unit. 

  • Mason Education Service Center central office employees are encouraged to secure their belongings in their work area or vehicle and expected to follow the clear bag policy.

    • If central office employees are already inside the building prior to the board meeting, then they can proceed to the sign-in area at the front desk to enter the board meeting.

    • If central office employees are not already inside the building prior to the board meeting, then they are expected to follow the same security checkpoint procedures as community members. 

• After passing through the weapons detection unit, visitors will be asked to sign-in at the designated area at the front desk. 

• After signing in, visitors can then move into the Selman Room or the overflow rooms (Room 113 and Cafeteria as directed).

• There will be stanchions and tables to help direct traffic in the lobby area as needed.

Weapons detection system procedures: Each board meeting/special event will have one Metrasens weapons detection unit operating. 

• If visitors do not have a bag, it is recommended that they hold out their phone, iWatches, etc. perpendicular to the opposite side of the weapons detection unit. They can also place their belongings on the table to walk through the weapons detection unit. 

  • If they do not pass during the first scan, they will be asked to step back and walk through again. 

  • If they do not pass the second scan, then they will be taken aside to be wanded. 

• If visitors do have a bag, they will:

  • Put their bag at the designated table to be wanded/scanned

  • If the wand is set off, then bags will need to be searched. 

    • Random searches should be conducted on bags that may be large and cannot rely solely on the metal detector and/or clear bags where the contents inside the bag are not fully visible. 

  • The person will walk through the weapons detection unit

  • If they do not pass during the first scan, they will be asked to step back and walk through again. 

  • If they do not pass the second scan, then they will be taken aside to be wanded.