Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., has formally requested $430,000 in emergency one-time funding from the Board of Charles County Commissioners to address growing concerns over weapons in schools following a series of recent incidents at St. Charles High School.
In a letter dated May 8, Navarro described the request as separate from the current operating budget, the FY2027 budget proposal and maintenance of effort funding. The money would support immediate and longer-term safety initiatives to reassure students, parents and staff that schools remain safe places for learning and working.
The request comes after two handguns were recovered on back-to-back days at St. Charles High School last week. Navarro noted an increase in students bringing weapons, including handguns, to school grounds in recent weeks. She referenced school community meetings held to discuss these incidents, where residents have called for stronger action.
The proposed funding would support three main initiatives:
- A mobile weapons detection program using portable walk-through systems at entry points and school events, estimated at $300,000.
- Expansion of the existing gun detection program to cover more interior cameras at schools and centers, estimated at $80,000.
- Community and student pilot programming focused on gun violence prevention, estimated at $50,000.
Navarro emphasized that these measures would complement existing safety efforts. Charles County Public Schools already uses gun detection technology across 44 schools and centers for exterior camera coverage and is currently installing remaining licenses at St. Charles High School and other secondary schools.
The superintendent also requested additional support from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, including increased patrol unit presence around St. Charles High School for the remainder of the school year and continued K-9 support for gun detection. She suggested exploring community education programs on gun safety, similar to the CCSO Hope Trailer used for drug awareness.
“Safety is a shared responsibility and is not just limited to CCPS, Monday through Friday, during the school day,” Navarro wrote. “I ask that you please consider this request and recognize its importance to the safety of our students.”
Charles County Public Schools serves more than 28,000 students across 40 schools in a county that has experienced significant population growth in recent years. St. Charles High School, located in Waldorf, is one of the district’s larger secondary schools. Recent incidents involving firearms have heightened anxiety among families, staff and the broader community in Charles County and neighboring Southern Maryland areas.
The Board of Charles County Commissioners will review the request as part of ongoing budget discussions.
Navarro’s letter highlights the district’s proactive approach to safety while acknowledging the need for additional resources to respond to evolving threats. The funding, if approved, would provide short-term enhancements while longer-term security plans are developed.
The recent weapons incidents at St. Charles High School have drawn significant public attention. Earlier reports detailed the recovery of a machine gun conversion pistol from a Waldorf high school student and a loaded ghost gun from a 15-year-old at St. Charles High School. These events have prompted increased calls for action from parents and community members.
Charles County Public Schools has increased parent engagement programs in recent years and continues to work closely with law enforcement partners. The district’s commitment to safety includes existing measures such as gun detection technology and collaboration with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.
The $430,000 request represents a targeted investment in immediate safety improvements. Mobile weapons detection systems would allow flexible deployment across facilities and events, while the gun detection expansion would enhance interior monitoring. The pilot programming aims to engage community members and experts with lived experience in gun violence prevention.
For more information on the request or school safety initiatives, contact the Charles County Public Schools Department of Finance & Budget. The full letter from Superintendent Navarro is available through the district’s communications office.
