March 27, 2025

Yesterday, Pickerington Schools sent the following message to families with students enrolled in the district.

Dear PLSD Families,

The safety of our students and staff remains a top priority in Pickerington Local Schools. 

The District’s Safety and Security Office has purchased handheld metal detection wands that may be used by building administrators when conducting searches for contraband or items that violate school rules.

These devices are intended to assist administrators when there is reasonable suspicion that a student may be in possession of an illegal or dangerous item, stolen property, or other prohibited materials. The devices can help ensure searches are conducted efficiently and respectfully, particularly in situations where items may be concealed in places a routine search may not easily detect.

What This Means for Families

• The wands will be used in our junior high and high schools, however, there may be times when the wands are used during school events or extracurriculars. 
  
• These wands are not used for daily screening and will only be employed in specific situations when reasonable suspicion exists.
  
• The devices will only be used when administrators have reason to suspect a violation involving contraband or other prohibited items.
  
• Building administrators will receive training on the proper use of the devices before they are implemented.
  
• The devices were purchased through a safety grant, meaning no general fund dollars were used.

Our goal is to ensure administrators have the tools they need to maintain safe learning environments while treating students with respect and fairness.

Once training is complete, administrators may use the devices as part of the search procedures outlined in Board Policy 5771. Families can review the policy here: Board Policy 5771: Search and Seizure. 

We appreciate your continued partnership in helping us maintain safe and supportive school environments for all students.

Respectfully,

Dr. Charles Smialek
Superintendent, Pickerington Local Schools

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why did the District purchase the wands?
 A: To assist administrators when there is reasonable suspicion that a student may possess contraband or other prohibited items.

Q: Will my child be scanned when they come into school?
 A: “No. Students are not screened at building entry. Wands are only used in specific situations when a search is necessary.”

Q: Who uses the devices?
 A: “Only trained building administrators.”

Q: Which schools will have wands?
 A: Wands will be used mainly in our junior high and high schools, however, they may be used at other school events, or extracurriculars if needed.

Q: When would a wand search be used?
 A: When a student is suspected of hiding contraband or items in places a routine search wouldn’t detect.

Q: Were District funds used?
 A: No. Devices were purchased through a safety grant; no general fund dollars were used.

Q: Are these searches allowed under Board of Education policy?
 A: Yes. Searches follow Board Policy 5771: Search and Seizure.

Q: Will parents be notified if their child is searched?
 A: Only if the situation results in disciplinary action or further investigation, consistent with standard procedures.

Q: Are these the same devices used at airports?
 A: Similar, but used only in specific situations at schools.

Q: Why is the District using these devices?
 A: “It’s an additional safety tool for administrators when there’s reason to suspect a student may be hiding contraband or prohibited items.”