Tempers flare over delay in metal detector program

A last-minute decision to delay metal detectors at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High caused a heated rift between two School Board members Tuesday.

Chaos ensued with board members shouting over each other, leading Chairwoman Nora Rupert to cut their microphones off and abruptly recess meeting. The school district had announced for months the school, the site of the Feb. 14 massacre, would be the site of a pilot program for metal detectors.

But in a letter sent to parents Friday afternoon, Runcie said many logistical issues had arisen and plans are on hold.

“I am incredibly disappointed the way metal detectors was handled,” bboard member Robin Bartleman said. “For se- information, there shouldn’t have been new information two weeks before school starts.”

She said it was embarrassing that the sixth largest school district in the country appeared to not know what it was doing.

“We have no credibility as a board because you keep reversing decisions,” Bartleman said.

Board member Rosalind Osgood, a strong Runcie supportthe er, interrupted her.

“It’s good leadership to take a pause and do more evaluation to make sure you’re doing what’s best for kids,” she said. “It’s unfair for you to sit there and take that position when we’re trying to do the best we can.”

The exchange reflected a growing tension on the School Board as Parkland parents becurity