An extra layer of security will be implemented in area high schools after the Metro Nashville Public Schools board approved the expansion of the Evolv weapon detection system at its Tuesday night meeting.
The board unanimously approved the measure — with an annual cost of $1.25 million — which will allow for the implementation of the AI-powered Evolv system in all MNPS high schools.
Evolv, the same system used at Nissan Stadium, has been piloted at Antioch High School following the Jan. 22 shooting that resulted in the death of the shooter and one other student. Reports from the pilot show that 90 percent of students have been able to walk through the detectors without any disruption, while 10 percent were required to go through a secondary search with no threats being found.
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Evolv functions as a metal detector as well as a concealed weapon detection system, using Motorola technology that will be incorporated into the schools’ current digital security platform, Avigilon.
Tuesday night’s approval by the school board acts as an amendment to its existing contract with System Integrations, the same company that provided MNPS with Omnilert — the system that failed to detect the gun used in the Antioch High School shooting.
Adrienne Battle, MNPS director of schools, addressed Evolv’s settlement with the Federal Trade Commission that was sparked over allegations the company used misleading language in its marketing — wording that Evolv claims is no longer in use.
“We know this isn’t a perfect solution to every challenge we face when it comes to keeping our schools safe," said Battle. "It is once again meant to be a part of a multilayered approach to safety."
The source of funding for the system is not clear, but Battle said nothing is off the table. She said there is not an exact timeline for when Evolv will be implemented in all Nashville schools, but the board is aiming for a gradual rollout, installing the system in two schools per week. The system could be expanded to MNPS elementary and middle schools as well, but that would incur extra cost. Battle also noted that schools may need extra security staff to manage the detectors.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed support for the system in a press release sent by MNPS.
"I regret that we live in a time when schools must invest in weapons detection systems to keep students safe,” O’Connell says. “The reality is that meaningful gun safety measures by state and national leaders have remained out of reach, and we cannot wait for change that may never come. While I firmly believe in the need for stronger policies to prevent gun violence, our immediate responsibility is to protect students and staff. This investment is a necessary step to address the threats we face today while continuing to push for broader solutions that prioritize safety in every community.”
Other security measures implemented by MNPS over the years include shatter-resistant window glass film, K9 units, school resource officers and security vestibules. Battle said the school board also hopes to implement college and career advisers, student success centers and enhancements to mental health support in schools — all in hopes to prevent further violence.
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Battle and several members of the school board encouraged the community to advocate for changes to state and federal policy for the safe storage of firearms.
“We’ve got to keep pushing for the change we want to see, because we don’t write the laws,” said Battle. “This board doesn’t write the laws, and so that help would be invaluable to us really making significant improvements and change in this space.”
District 8 school board member Erin O’Hara Block echoed the sentiment. “We need leadership at the state level," she said. "We need leadership at the national level because we cannot change those laws.”
“Students do not get guns inside of schools,” added District 4 member Berthena Nabaa-McKinney, advocating for safe storage. “They’re bringing them in, and we’ve got to address that issue as a community.”
The approval of the Evolv system comes after nearly 3,000 people signed a petition pushing for metal detectors in area schools.
This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.
