While it’s a sobering thought that metal detectors would stand at the entrances of several schools in Ohio County, their addition is an important one, and Ohio County Schools is approaching their implementation the correct way.

Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones updated the Ohio County Board of Education on the district’s tryout of metal detector units over the past few weeks. Lauttamus Communications and Security has been loaning the district the units for free for a trial period.

“They have been very handy,” Jones 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 units would cost $20,000 each, and Jones expects to buy three. That would be $60,000 well spent.

The best part of the units is their portability. At 15 pounds each, they’re easy to move. They don’t need to sit permanently in front of the Wheeling Park High School main entrances and can be used at other doorways. And the third can be a roaming unit that can go to any of the county’s middle schools when necessary.

As was shown on the first day of school this year, when Wheeling Park went on lockdown after bullets were found on a bus, safety must remain a top priority. These mobile metal detectors are a wise investment that can help schools all over the county.

Their use will show students at the schools that security will be taken seriously and could deter a student from deciding to make a huge mistake.

And they’ll give parents peace of mind for the same reason — its evidence that Ohio County Schools wants to ensure the students and staff under their watch head to school and head home safely each day.