At Alexandria City High School, it is clear to many that changes are happening in our security system. Many students have voiced their fears and frustrations to their representatives about walking into school each day. Procedures can be confusing, interactions with security staff can sometimes feel cold or overly strict and differences between campuses can make security feel uncoordinated. The student body’s feelings are valid, and they matter. They deserve to have their concerns addressed.
It is no secret that rumors plague the halls of ACHS. We, the students, hear that the metal detectors do not work or that security at our school is severely flawed. This causes panic among my peers and, no doubt, within our community. However, I want to be clear: after careful examination and a serious discussion with the Alexandria City Public Schools Head of Security, Mr. Lee Conroy, I can confirm that those rumors are false. Students must understand that security at ACHS is layered, meaning there are rules in places for all types of situations. If someone subverts one security measure, then a more fortified safeguard replaces it. Unfortunately, there is no single method that can guarantee safety every time, but the school has taken every step to prevent harm. In fact, the metal detectors, although they are sometimes frustrating to walk through, have been proven to be effective in catching weapons brought into schools, and they consistently keep students safe. Moreover, our security guards are also competent when it comes to stopping or preventing altercations between students.
During my conversation with Mr. Lee Conroy, the new Director of Safety and Security for ACPS about these concerns. He demonstrated that the people responsible for our safety are dedicated, vigilant and actively working to protect students. He assured me that all the changes in the security system are for the protection of my peers. Continuously, unlike his predecessor, I have seen him multiple times in the morning, during lunch and at football games patrolling school grounds, monitoring security and making sure that students and staff are protected. There is no doubt in my mind that we are in safe hands. I know he sees student protection as more than his job; he sees it as a duty. I applaud Mr. Conroy for being actively involved. It truly calms the minds of many to see those in charge lead by example. His presence is a reassuring, constant reminder that our school’s safety is being actively managed every day.
That being said, I cannot undermine, or simply dismiss, the importance of my peers’ concerns. I hope to see continued improvements in clear, consistent procedures across both campuses. Students deserve a system that feels coordinated, where protocols are transparent and easy to understand, and where communication between buildings is seamless. An example of lingering inconsistency is that the Minnie Howard Campus does not require Chromebooks to be opened when passing through the metal detectors, while the King Street Campus does. Even if it is intentional, no one has given a reason for this. In any case, this leaves the impression that there is a severe lack of communication.
Additionally, I hope that interactions between students and security guards continue to balance safety with approachability. This will reduce tension and help the school feel less institutionalized while maintaining order. In a school of almost 5,000 students, it is completely understandable that there might be miscommunication between the students and those in charge of our security (also known as Deans, Security Guards, and Officers). However, when students feel as though they are constantly being disrespected and yelled at, especially before 8:35 a.m., they will reciprocate the stress and frustration of those in charge of security and will bring it into their classrooms. I urge my peers to keep calm, follow instructions, and match respect when it is given. Only then can we create a better environment, where both sides work together and where students’ mental health is not negatively affected.
The representatives completely understand that students may feel frustration at times, and procedures may seem inconsistent, but, again, I assure them that there is every reason to feel secure. Every measure, even the smallest and simplest ones, is designed with student safety in mind. To my peers: please know that your concerns are real, your frustrations are heard, and your safety is taken seriously. Alexandria City High School is a place where safety matters and where every layer of security works to ensure that students can learn and thrive without fear. I have personally witnessed it.
Please continue to share your concerns and experiences with us by emailing [email protected] We take our role seriously and we will ensure your needs are met. All 5,000 of you.
Sincerely,
Darwin Salazar
School Board Student Representative
President of Latinos4Latinos+Allies