Williamsburg–James City County Public Schools (WJCC) has announced that starting January 27, 2026, new security measures will be implemented at all middle and high school events. These measures include restrictions on bags and the use of weapons detectors at athletic and other activities.
According to a news release by WJCC, the district is introducing enhanced safety protocols which include a strict no-bag policy—except for approved medical or personal care needs—and mandatory screening of all guests through weapons detection gates. These steps aim to ensure the safety of students and attendees.
WJCC currently maintains comprehensive safety and security measures across all schools. These include security officers, surveillance systems, controlled access, visitor protocols, emergency drills, and crisis response teams to protect students, staff, and visitors. Additional safety measures involve rapid notification systems for communicating with families during emergencies, ongoing staff training for administrators, counselors, and support personnel, as well as a school safety committee that evaluates and updates procedures, technology, and hardware to strengthen security throughout the division. According to WJCC Schools, these measures are designed to create safe learning environments while preparing the school community and first responders for potential incidents.
To provide clear guidance during emergencies, WJCC has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) from the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. This protocol trains students and staff in five core actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Each action includes explicit instructions such as staying in classrooms during a Hold or locking doors during a Lockdown. The SRP is reinforced through state-mandated drills with clear signage aiding staff, students, and visitors in following procedures effectively.
Williamsburg–James City County Public Schools serves 11,379 K–12 students across 16 schools. The district includes economically disadvantaged students as well as English learners and those in special education or gifted programs. Superintendent Daniel Keever leads the district under the governance of a school board that meets monthly for work sessions and regular meetings.
