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Albany High School is delaying the installation of a new security system to address concerns from parents and students. The City School District of Albany had planned to implement RONIN walk-through scanners and LINEV bag scanners next Wednesday (November 19), but has postponed the launch to allow for more community engagement.
During a recent district meeting, parents expressed concerns about the effectiveness and impact of the new security measures. Some felt the scanners made the school feel like a prison, while others worried they were punitive rather than protective. Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter responded to these concerns by stating that the committee is exploring cutting-edge technology to replace outdated systems, aiming to improve both safety and efficiency.
The district has scheduled several community meetings before Thanksgiving to discuss the new systems and gather feedback. According to CBS6 Albany, Mayor-elect Dorcey Applyrs has expressed her commitment to collaborating with the school district on safety measures.
Principal Jodi Commerford emphasized the importance of ensuring the community feels confident in the new security process. The district remains committed to enhancing safety and ensuring a smooth transition once the new scanners are ready to launch.
Albany Schools reported that the district serves about 8,800 students across 16 schools, including Albany High School. The district's mission is to engage every learner in a robust educational program, and the planned security upgrades are part of this commitment to a safe learning environment.