Security at Limestone has increased following an isolated weapons-related incident on September 22, 2025.
Following the incident, security measures were increased immediately. Administrators were stationed at school entrances and checked the bag(s) of every student who walked through. These searches were accompanied by the introduction of a clear bag policy, which requires students to use a transparent bag or carry their supplies by hand. Additionally, several Bartonville police officers were stationed inside the doors, searching students with wands to detect any potential metal weapons that they might be carrying.
Beginning Monday, October 20, portable, walk-through metal detectors replaced the wands at both school entrances. Going through the detectors will be a permanent daily procedure for students as they enter the building.
Superintendent Keith Brown explained how the detectors operate. “It can detect heavier metals, like in weapons, and not detect your car keys or your cell phone. Unfortunately, your Chromebooks all have enough metal that pushes it over the edge. We’ve noticed, students, if they have their keys and a phone in the same pocket, it’ll go off. If they have it in different pockets, it will not go off,” said Brown
Brown also reassures students that, although there may not be a heavy security presence for all school events, administrators will still be present to maintain order. As to the number of administrators present, Brown says, “It depends on the size of the crowd.”
In addition to the new metal detectors, Limestone continues to search bags and encourages students to either purchase a clear bag or carry their school supplies without a bag. Brown stated, “Clear backpacks are nice because you can look through them real quick and move along, so we’re going to try to do that more and more for the school items and still know that we’re going to have some sports bags that we have to search occasionally.” Clear bags keep the security lines moving efficiently in the mornings.
As for student opinions, junior Layla Sams shared, “I personally like them, but they’re just really tedious to go through. I mean, it’s definitely keeping the school safe, which is what I enjoy. Because every time I’m trying to get some learning done, I always want to have that safety and security.”
Sophomore London Cordell added, “I think that they are kind of annoying, but they keep the school safe and that’s what matters.”
Brown wants students to know that the best form of security is prevention. He adds, “We always have to tie back to ‘If you see something, say something.’ People need to report and know that they’re doing the right thing. Sometimes that can be hard. You don’t want to come in and say, ‘Hey, I heard this from so-and-so,’ because a lot of times people don’t want to feel like they’re snitching on somebody. At the same time, you know, if you say something, we can intervene and provide help to that student, but also keep everybody else safe. If people report things, we can eliminate a possible bad situation by intervening early.”
The policies might be a bit inconvenient, but Brown wants students to know, “We’re trying to balance safety while also being practical and working with families to get these things going.”
