Chaotic Start of School Year
- New metal detectors cause delays on the first day of school in Broward County.
- Scores of students were kept waiting in lines outside long after the first bell rang.
- Chaotic situation unfolds as students face delays due to the new security measures.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The first day of school in Broward County, Florida, was marred by significant delays as new metal detectors were implemented across high schools. Students faced long lines that extended around campuses, causing frustration among parents and students alike. The district, which is the sixth largest in the nation, introduced the scanners at 38 schools in an effort to enhance safety following the tragic 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Parents expressed their dissatisfaction with the disorganized rollout, highlighting the impact on students' schedules. Alicia Ronda recounted how her daughter arrived at Pompano Beach High School at 6:30 a.m., only to find the line so long that by 7:15 a.m., only four students had made it to class. Another parent, Brandi Scire, noted that early arrivals for breakfast were likely left disappointed due to the delays. Each high school received at least two metal detectors, with larger institutions like Cypress Bay High School equipped with four. Despite the intention behind the security measures, the execution fell short, leading to what some parents described as an "ultimate fail." Superintendent Hepburn acknowledged the issues in a statement on social media, thanking students for their patience and promising improvements in communication regarding the security process. As the district prepares for potential ongoing delays this week, officials are committed to ensuring that the chaos experienced on the first day does not recur.