Mobile County superintendent tells parents of school security, safety enhancements

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal D. Threadgill today notified parents via email giving them details of the system’s enhanced plans for safety and security.

The superintendent provided information about the installation of advanced weapons detection systems at middle and high schools, as well as cell phone policy and a requirement for the 2025-26 school year (not this coming school year) that all backpacks be clear. Backpacks will be provided by MPCSS, Threadgill states in his message to parents.

Following is the text from Threadgill:

Parents,

First, I hope that you and your children are having a relaxing and wonderful summer break. As each of you know, the safety of our students is my first and most important responsibility as Superintendent of Mobile County Public Schools. We are constantly evaluating the safety measures that we have in place and looking for ways to improve upon them.

During second semester of last year, I commented that I would be recommending enhancements to our safety and security plans this summer. Therefore, I would like to share those details with you. I did not want to rush the process, so my team and I researched and explored safety and security measures which have been successful throughout the country. This research included exploring the most state-of-the-art technologies that are currently available, conducting surveys with all stakeholder groups, and having focus group discussions with students. Thanks to all who participated. Your input allowed us to make informed decisions about the safety and security of all MCPSS schools and campuses.

Below are some highlights of our enhanced plan and a flier is also attached with additional details. 2024-25 Enhanced Safety Plan.pdf

Advanced Weapons Detection

MCPSS is making a significant financial investment in installing advanced weapon detection systems at our middle and high schools. If you’ve been to Disney World or an athletic event recently, you’ve probably walked through one of these. The system is much more technologically advanced and convenient than traditional metal detectors, as our students will not have to line up and empty their pockets. Instead, they will be able to walk into school with their backpacks on, allowing us to quickly and effectively screen them for any forbidden items without slowing the start of the school day. This will be an adjustment, and I ask for your patience as there may be delays at the start of the school year.

Cell phones

Cell phone usage by students during the school day is causing a major disruption to the learning environment. Cell phones have become a distraction to student learning and are the cause of many disciplinary infractions, ranging from bullying to cheating. Therefore, we will enforce our policy in the Student Code of Conduct that states: “Students should avoid disrupting classroom activities by not displaying, using, or activating wireless communication devices during the school day.” That includes cell phones, earbuds, and smart watches.

Your school will provide more details to you about their specific plans for enforcing this. Some may use the Yondr pouches. Others may securely lock the phone away in collection boxes during the day. If you need to contact your child during the day, or if he or she needs to contact you, that can be done through the front office.

Third, I wanted to give you a heads-up. For the 2025-26 school year (not this upcoming year), MCPSS will require clear backpacks for all students. We will provide these bags for you next year.

I know that not everyone will be satisfied with each of these new measures. But I also know that we are doing this with the best interest of your students’ safety and well-being at heart. We want them to come to school every day to learn, and we want them to be safe while they are in our care. No plan is completely perfect, and anything that you do involving safety also involves some sacrifices. I am asking for your support, and in return, I promise that we will evaluate the effectiveness and the challenges of enacting these new measures and make adjustments as needed.

Thank you for your patience and for all that you do every day to keep our schools safe.

Sincerely,

Chresal D. Threadgill

Superintendent

Mobile County Public Schools