The Midway ISD Board of Trustees approved the purchase and implementation of a new state-of-the-art Video Management System (VMS) and advanced vape detection systems at its regular July meeting (view presentation below).
“Providing a safe and secure environment for our students and staff is crucial,” Board President Pete Rusek said. “These systems will enhance our security measures and address challenges faced by our schools."
The new VMS will upgrade the current video camera system across all campuses, featuring object detection and smart alerts for more efficient security management and incident response. Currently, Midway ISD has about 1,000 cameras that record on motion, but the existing system requires manual review and has limited features.
“This next-gen VMS is a game-changer for our school security,” Midway ISD Executive Director of Technology Jesse Garn said. “With its AI-enabled capabilities, we can search for specific attributes in recorded video, such as ‘all white vehicles’ or ‘people wearing blue shirts,’ making our security efforts more proactive and effective.”
The board also approved HALO air quality sensors, known as vape detectors, which can detect vape emissions, THC, and other particulates, as well as alert authorities to incidents of vaping, tampering, or gunshots.
Midway High School saw a 58% increase in referrals for vaping in the 2023-2024 school year, with middle school referrals increasing from 14 to 31.
“Our trial run of the HALO sensors demonstrated a 98% success rate in detecting and addressing vape incidents,” Garn said. “This technology has already significantly helped our efforts in curbing vaping on campus and promoting a healthier school environment.”
The comprehensive plan, estimated at $395,004, includes installing vape sensors in all secondary restrooms and locker rooms, adding 40 new AI-enabled cameras, and migrating existing cameras to the new Milestone VMS.
“The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities,” Midway ISD Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen said. “This is a serious and very important matter to us. By investing in these advanced security and health monitoring systems, we are taking the right steps to make sure our schools remain safe havens for learning and growth.”
