The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education has approved the purchase of a $40,380 weapon detection system for some existing school security cameras.
Peoria Public Schools director of school safety Demario Boone says the IntelliSee program allows police and school security officers to take a more proactive approach.
"So the incident that happened in Uvalde, Texas, where the young man wrecked the vehicle outside the building, walked into the building with a long rifle, and made his way to a classroom. With IntelliSee, we'll get that information right when he walks out of that vehicle," Boone said. "And so the officers would be able to neutralize the threat outside the building, instead of letting someone come inside."
The system's artificial intelligence taps into school security camera footage in real time to identify potential risks, such as a firearm or a slip-and-fall hazard. The program can then notify the relevant people through phone, text, and email.
The one-year contract with IntelliSee covers up to 64 cameras around the district. The purchase will be funded through Title IV funds.
The discussions around implementing the IntelliSee technology comes after the recent school shooting in Uvalde that left 19 children and two teachers dead.
School board reorganization
The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education has sworn in two board members.
Gregory Wilson was re-elected to the school board representing District 2. Paris McConnell replaces Doug Shaw, who didn't run for another term.
The school board elected Martha Ross to serve as the next school board president. She's served on the board since 2001, and has served as board president for three previous terms.
Mike Murphy will serve as vice president.
