Petition is addressed to: Pinellas County School Board

As concerned parents and community members, we are deeply alarmed by the rising threats of
violence in schools across the nation and, more specifically, at Tarpon Springs Middle School.
Our children deserve a safe learning environment where they can focus on their education
without fear. Given the three shooting threats at our school since the start of 2025 and the
broader increase in school shootings, we strongly urge the installation of metal detectors at the
main entrance to enhance security and protect students, staff, and visitors. County and federal
government buildings are equipped with metal detectors to protect civil employees; our children
deserve the same level of safety in their schools.

Estimated Cost of Installing Metal Detectors
The cost of installing metal detectors varies based on factors such as the type of equipment, the number of entry points, and staffing needs. For Tarpon Springs Middle School, the estimated
costs are:

 Equipment Costs: Walk-through metal detectors typically range from $1,500 to $5,000
per unit. Advanced systems with AI-powered threat detection can increase costs.
Assuming 3-5 entry points, the total equipment cost is estimated at $15,000 - $25,000.

 Staffing Costs: Schools typically need one or two staff members per detector. However,
since Tarpon Springs Middle School already has a School Resource Officer (SRO) on-site, some staffing costs could be offset. Leveraging the SRO’s presence can reduce staffing costs by 30-50%, bringing the estimated annual staffing cost to $40,000 - $60,000.

 Installation and Maintenance: Estimated at $10,000 - $15,000.

 Total First-Year Investment: $65,000 - $100,000 (adjusted from previous estimates due
to SRO staffing assistance).

Potential Funding Sources

Pinellas County Schools Budget
For the 2024-2025 school year, Pinellas County Schools has allocated $63.4 million for capital
projects, including school safety improvements. The Capital Outlay Budget includes funds for
security upgrades, infrastructure, and technology enhancements. A portion of this budget could
be allocated toward the installation of metal detectors at Tarpon Springs Middle School.

Grants from Anti-Gun Violence Nonprofits
Several national organizations provide grants for school security enhancements, including:

 Sandy Hook Promise – Offers grants for schools implementing violence prevention
initiatives, including security upgrades.

 Everytown for Gun Safety – Has funded school safety measures, including metal
detector installations, in past grant cycles.

 The U.S. Department of Justice’s COPS School Violence Prevention Program –
Provides funding for security measures, including metal detectors, to help prevent school
shootings.

 The Security Industry Association (SIA) – Supports school safety grants focused on
advanced security technologies, including metal detection systems.

Pinellas Education Foundation
The Pinellas Education Foundation has a history of facilitating strategic partnerships and
funding for special school projects. While direct funding for security equipment is not explicitly
stated in current grant programs, the Foundation has worked with corporate sponsors to fund
critical school initiatives. For example, in December 2024, the Duke Energy Foundation
awarded a $100,000 grant to support educational programs in Pinellas County
(prnewswire.com). A similar partnership could be pursued for school security enhancements.