WHEELING — Ohio County Schools has been testing out metal detector units that are on lease, and district officials seem to like them.

Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones briefed board of education members this week on their use so far.

“They have been very handy,” he said. “We will use them this week at the high school when students are entering the building or attending a game. Next week, I’m going to use them in a couple of middle schools.

“Everybody seems to like them, so it’s likely I’m going to be making a recommendation to purchase those.”

The mobile-type metal detectors being used in Ohio County are on loan for free from Lauttamus Communications. Each has a price tag of about $20,000.

Jones expects to purchase three sets, two of which would be for the high school. One will be placed at the front entrance to the high school, and the other at the back to monitor late arrivals, he explained.

The third one, meanwhile, will be used at the middle schools or where and when needed, he continued.

“There are a lot of times when kids make threats (at schools), and the parents are very anxious when that happens,” Jones said. “Parents want to know their schools are safe for days after that, and when those occur you can throw them (the metal detectors) in a car. They are about 15 pounds each.”

Also this week, Superintendent Kim Miller provided information to the board regarding enrollment in the school district. She reported there are presently 4,755 students enrolled in Ohio County Schools. There are another 213 who are homeschooled, with 11 of the homeschooled students having an individualized educational instruction program.

There are also 1,488 “exemption case students” who attend private and parochial schools, Miller continued. Of these students, 282 receive Hope Scholarship funding.

Ohio County Schools also employs 499 professional staff members, and 299 service staff members, she added.

Miller wants to monitor those numbers as enrollment declines across the state, and make decisions about what programs and opportunities students should have as administrators look toward preparations for next year.

“We always monitor enrollment numbers when we decide on teachers and how to prepare,” Miller said. “And it is important our board members know the enrollment we have.”