Deming Public Schools Enhances Campus Safety with Comprehensive Security Measures for the 2026–2027 School Year
The safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors remain the highest priority for Deming Public Schools. As the new school year begins, the district is implementing and reinforcing a comprehensive school safety plan that includes emergency preparedness drills, enhanced weapons detection technology, and safety search procedures designed to provide secure learning environments across all campuses.
Emergency Preparedness and Safety Drills
Preparedness is one of the most effective ways to ensure schools are ready to respond during emergencies. Throughout the school year, Deming Public Schools will conduct a variety of required safety drills that allow students, staff, first responders, and community partners to practice emergency procedures and continuously improve district safety plans.
During the first four weeks of school, every campus will conduct a minimum of:
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Two fire drills
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One shelter-in-place drill
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One evacuation drill
District policy requires each school to complete a minimum of 17 safety drills annually, including:
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11 fire drills
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2 shelter-in-place drills
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2 lockdown drills
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2 evacuation drills
Additional drills may be conducted when school administrators determine additional practice is needed. During many drills, local law enforcement and first responders may participate to help evaluate procedures and strengthen emergency preparedness. All participants are expected to respond as though the situation is real to ensure meaningful training and readiness.
Parents and guardians will only receive emergency notifications during actual incidents that pose a threat to the school community. Notifications will be sent through Infinite Campus via email, text message, and/or phone call. Information will also be shared through district social media channels, the district website, and local media outlets when appropriate. Families are encouraged to verify that their contact information in Infinite Campus is current to ensure they receive important communications.
OPENGATE® Weapons Detection System
As another layer of campus security, Deming Public Schools will begin utilizing the CEIA OPENGATE® Weapons Detection System at its intermediate, middle, and high schools. The system provides fast, automatic screening for weapons while allowing students and visitors to move efficiently into school buildings.
Unlike traditional metal detectors, OPENGATE® allows individuals to keep most everyday personal items—including backpacks, keys, wallets, cell phones, and jackets—while passing through the system. However, laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, three-ring binders with metal rings, metal lunch boxes, metal pencil cases, and metal eyeglass cases must be removed before entering and handed to staff or placed on designated tables for screening.
If the system detects a prohibited item, trained staff will conduct a secondary screening. Any illegal or prohibited items discovered may be confiscated and could result in school disciplinary action and/or legal consequences. The district recommends students use non-metal computer sleeves and plastic containers whenever possible to help streamline entry into school buildings.
Student Safety Searches
Deming Public Schools also reminds families that student searches may be conducted when necessary and in accordance with district policy to maintain safe learning environments.
Authorized school personnel—including administrators, certificated staff, school security personnel, and school bus drivers—may conduct searches when appropriate. School Resource Officers may assist when authorized and acting on behalf of the school.
Searches may occur under several circumstances, including:
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Entry screening using safety devices
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Preventative canine searches
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Handheld wand screenings
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Reasonable suspicion of a policy or legal violation
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General inspections of school property, including lockers, desks, and buses
School-issued property remains the property of the district and may be inspected at any time. Student vehicles and personal belongings may also be searched when appropriate. All searches are conducted in a manner that is reasonable, respectful, and appropriate for the student's age and the circumstances involved. Illegal items, weapons, dangerous objects, or materials that disrupt the educational environment may be confiscated in accordance with district procedures.
A Shared Commitment to Safety
"Creating a safe learning environment is a shared responsibility," said Superintendent Nicholas Wohlgemuth. "Our students deserve schools where they can focus on learning, and our staff deserve workplaces where they feel safe and supported. Through ongoing training, modern security technology, strong partnerships with local first responders, and proactive safety procedures, Deming Public Schools remains committed to protecting every member of our school community."
Families with questions regarding school safety procedures are encouraged to contact their child's school or the Deming Public Schools District Office at (575) 546-8841.