Detroit school district is spending millions to increase security after safety concerns

February 13, 2026

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is implementing major security enhancements following two violent incidents involving students with weapons at separate schools. The school board approved $4. 3 million in funding to hire 38 additional security guards for the remainder of the academic year, bringing the total number of guard vacancies the district is working to fill to 41.

Who is affected

Students at Detroit Public Schools Community District schools, particularly those at Gompers Elementary-Middle School and Denby High School
The student who was stabbed at Gompers Elementary-Middle School
The student arrested after the Denby High School boxcutter incident (expelled from the district)
Parents and visitors to all Detroit public schools (subject to new ID and check-in requirements)
38 newly hired security guards
Teachers, including the Denby High School teacher who intervened with a chair
The mother of the Gompers student who allegedly brought the knife into the school

What action is being taken

The district is hiring 38 additional security guards (positions currently being filled)
The district is working to fill 41 total security guard vacancies
A pilot program of new security screening is beginning this month at 10 schools
A uniform visitor check-in process requiring photo IDs, photographs, and visitor badges is being implemented at all schools
Additional police were placed at Denby High School following the January 21 incident

Why it matters

This initiative addresses critical safety concerns in Detroit's public schools following two serious weapons incidents that endangered students and staff. The incidents revealed vulnerabilities in existing security protocols, including the failure of a metal detector to prevent a weapon from entering Gompers school. The enhanced security measures represent a significant investment in student safety and demonstrate the district's commitment to preventing future violence, while also creating accountability for all adults entering school buildings through stricter visitor protocols.

What's next

The security screening pilot will continue through the remainder of the school year, after which the district will evaluate whether to expand it to additional schools next school year
The district plans to continue funding the 38 additional security guard positions in the fall
The district will assess whether the new screening process is faster and more efficient at detecting weapons before deciding on broader implementation

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com