Updated Screening Protocols | Newburgh Free Academy Main & North Campuses
Haz clic en este enlace para leer este mensaje en español.
May 29, 2026
Dear Newburgh Free Academy students, families, faculty, staff, and community members,
The safety, security, and well-being of our scholars, staff, and visitors remain our absolute highest priority. To ensure our high school campuses remain safe environments focused on learning and growth, we continually evaluate and strengthen our security protocols.
As part of these ongoing efforts, the district is upgrading its entry security procedures at our high school campuses. Beginning on June 1, 2026, at Newburgh Free Academy's North, and on June 3, 2026, at Newburgh Free Academy Main, a state-of-the-art entry screening system using advanced scanning machines will be implemented. This upgraded system will provide thorough scans at a quicker speed, improving the entry experience of our students and community members.
What to Expect: Efficient, Modern Screening
If you have recently attended a game at a professional stadium or a large-scale concert, you are likely already familiar with this technology. Unlike traditional metal detectors that often create long lines and require students to empty their pockets and bags, these new machines are designed for a seamless, quicker transition into the school building.
Students will be able to walk through the scanning lanes at a normal pace without the need to remove everyday school items from their backpacks, significantly reducing morning wait times and getting our scholars into their classrooms more quickly.
Advanced Technology with a Strict Privacy Guardrail
The new system utilizes advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology specifically designed to scan the shapes and density of objects inside bags. The AI acts as an instant digital assistant to our security team, identifying high-risk, unauthorized items with incredible accuracy so that our personnel can conduct targeted, respectful bag checks only when an alert is triggered.
We understand that the mention of AI technology can raise questions about privacy. We want to explicitly clarify how this technology is and is not being used:
- Unauthorized Items Only: The AI software is strictly configured to identify objects that compromise school safety and violate the district’s Code of Conduct.
- NO Facial Recognition: The system’s AI capabilities will not be used for facial recognition, biometric tracking, or identity surveillance of any kind. The privacy of our students and staff remains strictly protected.
Partnering for a Safer Campus
We want to extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to our Superintendent, Dr. Jackielyn Manning Campbell, and the members of the Board of Education. Their foresight, dedication, and steadfast support in approving this advanced technology ensure that NFA remains a safe and secure environment. By investing in these modern safety measures, our leadership continues to prioritize the well-being of the entire Goldback community.
We ask for your partnership and patience during the initial days of this rollout as our students and staff adapt to the new entry flow. There may be initial delays in adjusting to the new screening system; however, we ultimately anticipate a more efficient entry process. We also encourage families to use this opportunity to remind scholars to check their backpacks before leaving for school to ensure no unauthorized items are inadvertently brought onto our campuses.
By investing in modern, non-intrusive security measures, we are reinforcing NFA as a valued place for education where students can feel entirely safe, valued, and focused on their futures.
Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and dedication to keeping our Goldback community safe.
Sincerely,
Mr. Steve Sager
Director of Safety & Security
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
