Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (LCISD) recently updated its security with a new hi-tech addition: Weapons Detection Systems from Athena Security, an Austin company on the cutting edge of safety technology. With campus security as a priority, LCISD Chief of Police Henry Garcia chose to deploy 24 of Athena’s systems across LCISD to scan for concealed weapons at school entrances.
“It’s a force multiplier,” says Chief Garcia. “It puts us in a position to see and detect the things that we’re not able to see with the naked eye.” With school shootings as a common concern for students, parents, and staff, Athena’s system provides a second set of eyes to catch things security officers might miss — including people trying to bypass the system.
Unlike most metal detectors, Athena’s system includes AI-powered Evasion Detection which can detect people going around the system and not walking through the detector. Even if the officer is looking away for a second, the Evasion Detection feature will take notice, triggering both an audio and visual alert.
Athena CTO and co-founder Chris Ciabarra believes this could be a game changer for schools, airports, and hospitals. He explains that Athena’s Weapons Detection System not only detects more threats than traditional metal detectors, but also puts more controls around the process to ensure that security is uncompromised.
“Evasion detection is just one control that helps security officers protect themselves,” says Ciabarra. “We also have other best practices from Homeland Security built into the product to help officers keep weapons out of the facilities.” His goal is not just to detect weapons, but detect any threats that are getting around the system. And Athena’s Weapons Detection System integrates lidar, camera, patented AI, and optional thermal cameras to do just that.
To some, this may seem like a surprisingly hi-tech solution to a systemic problem. But for LCISD Chief Henry Garcia, part of being effective at law enforcement is embracing effective technology. Athena’s Weapons Detection System provided an answer to a very real problem his schools were facing, which is why he deployed two dozen of them. Athena Security’s low-profile system is non-intimidating for students and allows for a steady flow of people into the school, while effectively screening for weapons and ensuring that security cannot be bypassed. The technology may seem futuristic, but sometimes, that’s what’s required in order to build a safer future.
Diversity Recruitment Partners recently announced the launch of its comprehensive, AI-powered platform, designed to bridge the gap between schools qualified educators of diverse and bilingual backgrounds. Featuring a job board, virtual career fair, and an interview portal with AI-driven candidate-job matching, this groundbreaking platform transforms recruitment for educational institutions nationwide, ensuring alignment of values, skills, and long-term goals.
“Teacher turnover has a significant impact on both student success and the stability of school environments,” said Trina Edwards, CEO of Diversity Recruitment Partners. “Our new platform helps build teams of committed educators while providing schools with access to a pipeline of talent dedicated to lasting impact.”
In addition to the platform, Diversity Recruitment Partners is introducing its Level Up Workshop Series, a professional development program tailored to support educators in advancing their careers. Held in October, the series focuses on essential skills such as job selection, interview preparation, and salary negotiation, all vital for navigating the competitive job market. Over 400 participants attended, with Curtis Valentine, founder of Real Men Teach and co-host and moderator of the series, along with twelve experts like Dr. William Hayes, Dr. Charlene Dukes, Dr. Lisa Herring, and Dr. Rudy Ruiz offering invaluable guidance to help educators thrive.
This initiative aligns with Diversity in Ed Magazine’s mission to foster retention and reduce turnover. In the Fall 2024 issue https://diversityined.uberflip.com/i/1529058-diversity-in-ed-magazine-fall-issue-2024/0? readers will find features on strategic hiring, smart use of AI in recruitment, and a special Superintendent Watchlist highlighting districts excelling in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), such as Rocketship Public Schools and Allentown School District.
Join us at the upcoming Virtual Education Career Fair on December 5, where schools and diverse candidates can connect directly. For more information, visit https://k-12.careerfairexpo.com or contact editor@diversityined.com.
KOBI, an innovative AI-powered reading app designed for children with dyslexia, officially launched during the 75th Annual Conference of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) held October 22-26 in Dallas, Texas. Recognized globally, KOBI recently won the OpenAI Learning Impact Prize and the Tools Competition award, making its U.S. debut with the goal of transforming reading practice to be accessible, engaging, and stress-free, while involving both parents and educators in the learning process.
KOBI provides an adaptive reading environment that supplements structured literacy programs. Using narration and targeted reading prompts, the app encourages manageable practice sessions that build confidence and fluency. Advanced speech recognition offers immediate, gentle feedback, helping children improve accuracy without fear of judgment. Customizable text settings allow children to tailor their reading experience, reinforcing memory and independence.
“Our goal with KOBI is to create a safe, enjoyable space for children to practice reading, addressing the unique needs of dyslexic learners,” said Ursula Lavrencic, Co-Founder and Chief Learning Engineer. “By involving parents and reducing reading anxiety, KOBI empowers children on their path to reading fluency.”
Following its success in Slovenia as the official reading app for K-4 students, KOBI is now expanding into the U.S. The awards from OpenAI and the Tools Competition underscore KOBI’s potential as a scalable, impactful tool that aligns with best practices in dyslexia support.
“KOBI’s U.S. launch is a significant step forward in making reading support accessible and engaging for children with dyslexia,” added Lavrencic. “We’re excited to share this innovative approach with a broader audience.”
- Palmdale School District’s Technological Transformation: Equity, Innovation, and Literacy - December 3, 2024
- Big Deals—School Security, Combating Teacher Turnover, and New Dyslexia Tools - November 18, 2024
- How to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism in Schools - November 1, 2024
