To the Editor:

I am writing to inform the Newtown community about a recent decision by the Board of Education regarding a proposed donation from The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation. On July 8, 2025, the Board voted 5-2 to accept this “gift,” which is restricted for one purpose only: installing metal detectors at Newtown High School.

Those who opposed the motion, myself included, successfully added an important proviso which was supported by all Board members: the Board’s approval is contingent upon the Board’s review and approval of an implementation plan, a reasonable amount of public participation, feedback, and an analysis of the potential mental health impacts and alternatives. This matter is scheduled to come before the Board again on or before October 7, 2025.

This issue deserves the community’s full attention. Research consistently shows that metal detectors in schools can negatively impact student mental health, increasing anxiety, stress, and feelings of fear or insecurity. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), only about 10% of US high schools use metal detectors, and the National School Safety and Security Services notes that daily use is typically limited to large urban districts with chronic histories of weapons-related offenses — making such measures the exception, not the rule.

Moreover, studies published in the Journal of School Violence and reports from the American Psychological Association indicate that students in schools with metal detectors often feel less safe than those without them. These measures can create a climate of fear and surveillance, undermining trust and belonging — both essential for a healthy learning environment.

Before Newtown becomes that exception — based on a “free gift” — we must carefully weigh the actual risks against the potential harm to students’ mental health and educational experience. There is no clear evidence that metal detectors improve safety, but there is strong evidence of their negative psychological impact.

This is a significant step that cannot be undone, and the voices of parents, students, and educators must be heard.

If you have an opinion on this matter, please contact the Board of Education (available at newtownboe@newtown.k12.ct.us) prior to October 7th, and participate in these discussions. Our community’s input is critical to ensuring that decisions prioritize both safety and student well-being.

Respectfully,

Shannon Tomai

Member, Newtown Board of Education

(writing in my individual capacity)