BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — As part of Wednesday night’s meeting, leaders of Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) discussed the potential purchase of metal and weapon detection systems.

The intent is to install them in the district’s high schools and “high incident Pk-8 elementary schools,” according to a BPS document.

“The systems should provide rapid or ‘express’ use by staff and students for security screening purposes. Installation and training costs should be included in the proposal response,” the document said.

BPS is interested in purchasing up to 25 detection systems from a local company, which, according to Larry Scott, is owned by minority women. “It’s a large contract,” Scott said.

“We stand with you on the efforts you are taking to make our schools safe,” Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore said to BPS Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams. “We appreciate when we’ve brought things to your attention, you’ve taken care of them.”

Both handheld metal detectors and concealed weapons detection systems votes passed unanimously prior to Wednesday’s meeting.

Regarding reducing the amount of suspensions at BPS, Superintendent Williams said things are improving, but “do not happen overnight.”

The public was welcome at the board meeting, which took place at Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.

MORE | More information on the meeting can be found in the Twitter thread linked below.