The Phoenix Union High School District is fully committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and visitors. We are continuously seeking ways to improve campus safety and a lot of thought and consideration has gone into meeting the challenges that our schools face today. Security measures on our campuses are layered and multi-faceted. 

On November 2, the Phoenix Union Governing Board approved an advanced weapons detection pilot program. The pilot will enlist the OPENGATE system at Bostrom and Maryvale High Schools.

The pilot's stated goals are to:

1. Eliminate the number of firearms and related incidents and expulsions on PXU campuses from the previous year's comparison.

2. Increase attendance rates by fostering a safe and secure environment at school from the previous year's comparison.

3. Increase parent, student, and staff positive perceptions of safety, culture, and climate on campus using weapon detection systems using pre/post surveys.

How it works

Advanced weapons detection screenings will take place at each point of entry on Bostrom and Maryvale High Schools' campuses. Visitors, students, and staff will have an experience similar to entering a professional sporting event or concert. Before entering the pass-through point, campus staff will support students through the screening process. The pilot is intended to increase safety by deterring prohibited items from entering campus.

Training and Support

Experienced professionals will fully train safety teams and administration in system set-up, calibration, and best practices. Opportunities for questions, practice, and support will be available throughout the pilot timeline to school teams. Parents and staff will see the devices firsthand, learn about the system, and be given the opportunity to ask questions. Students will be provided with an overview of the processes, expectations, and procedures during Advisory class related to the screening devices.

Phoenix Union High School District's Next Generation Safety and Security Plan contains 16 components that address a holistic approach to safety. The new weapons detection system is an additional layer to support campus safety and security.

Thank you for your trust and continued support.