By Bella Emory and Isis Valdez

Staff reporters

It’s only a matter of time until metal detectors like those seen in January at the front of the school become a permanent part of campus, an administrator said. 

“They do two things, make sure that we have no weapons of any kind on campus, and if it picks up a vape pen, we’re required to search that student,” Associate Principal Wendy Reyes said. “The Texas Education Code has put in some laws putting more focus on school security, and things are being looked at really closely as far as people accessing the school.” 

After winter break, students and teachers in some classes randomly were picked to go through the detectors. 

“It felt scary because they’re super strict about it and it just made me feel weird,” sophomore Evangelina Gonzalez said.  “I thought it was unexpected; they just pulled everyone out of the class, and they were kind of rude about it.”  

Social studies teacher Valerie Bolanos was one of the random teachers who went through them and said she can understand why some students were concerned.

“I think it went about how I thought it was gonna go, except that they had to take all their jewelry off and everything, and that I think was tougher than I thought it was going to be for everybody,” she said. “That’s the only thing scary.”

Bolanos said she is curious about the logistics of using metal detectors. 

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing,” she said. “I just don’t understand how they’re going to be used.”

Reyes said the laid back, welcoming atmosphere for parents and families Northside ISD encouraged now takes a back seat to safety. Food deliveries aren’t allowed anymore for staff or students for that reason. 

“It was all about making sure parents felt welcome to come on campus,” she said. “Now it’s back to being kind of what it was 23 years ago (before Columbine) – very secure.”

More safety measures are coming, Reyes said. 

“There’s a chance we may ultimately get what the elementary schools get,” she said. “They have to be buzzed to come in, but it’s all money related.”

People involved in illegal activities usually are close to weapons, Reyes said. 

“If you’re not trying to crack down on people selling illegal items on campus, you’re inviting people who are involved in criminal activity and have access to things,” she said. “So if you’re securing your campus as best you can, people who are involved in that will know they’re going to get caught coming on to Northside campuses.”