Dear House of Delegates, I am disheartened by the lack of high expectations and standards for Virginia’s schools. Many politicians and people believe throwing money at the issue will fix it. Nope Where are the parents, guardians of the students who are being disruptive and causing harm? It was Never about the salary! It was always about the poor policies, low standards and expectations for the students. Stop making excuses for some and not the others. All schools must follow The Student Code of Conduct. Fact: there are teachers and administrators who are too lazy to follow the policies and be consistent. I refuse to let this go because I know we must be fair. Schools that allow bad behavior instead of discipline and accountability are shameful. Look at our society now. Please stop covering up bad behaviors with low standards, excuses, and now metal detectors. Stop lowering standards in one place and raising standards in another. Encourage hard work and dedication without government dependency. Please stop dividing us into groups based on race, religion, gender, etc. Where is the home?

As a parent, I support HB1818 because every student should be safe from gun violence in school.

There are many reasons why I am a proponent of this bill. The integration of AI-powered firearms detection systems in schools offers a proactive approach to improving student and staff safety. Here’s why these systems should be implemented statewide in Virginia. 1. Early Threat Detection: AI firearms detection systems can identify weapons in real-time through video surveillance or other sensors. Early detection allows schools to respond to threats before violence occurs, reducing the risk of harm. 2. Enhanced Response Times: By automatically alerting security personnel or law enforcement when a weapon is detected, AI systems significantly improve response times. Faster action can save lives in critical situations. 3. 24/7 Monitoring: Unlike human security personnel, AI systems provide constant vigilance without fatigue, ensuring round-the-clock safety. 4. Reduction of Human Error: AI algorithms are trained to recognize specific patterns and objects, minimizing the chances of oversight or misidentification compared to manual monitoring. 5. Integration with Emergency Systems: Many AI systems can integrate with existing security infrastructure, such as automatic door locks, PA systems, and emergency alerts, creating a comprehensive safety net. 6. Cost-Effectiveness Over Time: While the initial investment may be significant, AI systems can reduce long-term costs associated with hiring additional security personnel and addressing incidents. 7. Reassurance for Stakeholders: The presence of advanced safety measures provides peace of mind for parents, teachers, and students, fostering a secure learning environment. 8. Adaptability and Improvement: AI systems improve over time through machine learning, becoming more accurate and efficient in detecting potential threats. By leveraging AI firearms detection, schools can shift from reactive to preventative measures, ensuring that educational environments remain safe and conducive to learning. This technology is a crucial step forward in addressing the growing concern of school violence. Lastly, there are presumably tens of thousands of cameras in operation in schools across the state. Without a brain behind the lens, the cameras do not serve students, facility, and the public whatsoever.