# Seattle Schools Pilot Weapons Detectors

On October 7, 2026, the Seattle Public Schools Board unanimously supported pilot weapons-detection programs requested by Nathan Hale and Rainier Beach high schools. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner hopes the systems can operate within a couple of months, with the pilot evaluating student feedback and building-entry times; however, the district has announced no confirmed schedule, cost, solicitation, or purchasing process. At the same meeting, the board approved a two-year Dell Computer Corporation contract for Microsoft Enterprise License Solutions, worth up to $4,754,678.96 plus Washington state sales tax, for service from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028.

- The detector pilot is an early market signal, not an active RFP or confirmed award. Suppliers should not treat it as an open solicitation; the district has not disclosed procurement terms or a vendor.
- The Dell award is a defined near-term opportunity for the incumbent awardee, with a January 2027 start and a stated maximum value. The board also approved use of the Naglieri General Ability Test after an RFP review, though no related contract award or value was reported.
- Companies serving school districts can distinguish between the confirmed software licensing award and the exploratory safety pilot when assessing Seattle Public Schools’ procurement pipeline.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Information Technology, Public Safety
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Seattle Public Schools (SPS)
- Seattle School Board

### Vendors
- Dell Computer Corporation (Awardee for Microsoft Enterprise License Solutions)

### Key Quotes
> Weapons detectors are a piece of the puzzle.
> — Ben Shuldiner, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools

### Sources
- [Seattle schools to pilot weapons detectors at Nathan Hale, Rainier Beach](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/seattle-schools-pilot-weapons-detectors-004655359.html) - Yahoo
- [Seattle Schools Board Meeting Oct  7, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaayUS5mYRU) - Seattle Public Schools Board Meetings
- [Seattle Schools to Pilot Weapons Detectors](https://www.seattleschild.com/seattle-schools-weapons-detectors) - Seattle's Child