Wake County schools tighten security for football season amid safety concerns

High school football season begins Friday across North Carolina. Some Triangle schools are reminding parents and students about stricter safety protocols and expectations, days after fights and gunshots broke out at a Wake County high school. 

Raleigh police have been investigating multiple fights that developed into shots being fired after a Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School preseason football game. No arrests have been made yet.

Principal George Harden said the school is working with Wake County Public Schools System security and law enforcement to investigate the incident. 

Once that investigation is complete, Harden said any WCPSS students involved would be disciplined per Board policy, as well as per North Carolina General Statute § 14‑269.2, which states that possessing or carrying a weapon on educational property is a criminal offense that can result in serious legal consequences.

In an effort to promote safety across the district, multiple schools have sent guidelines to families and students ahead of the season regarding items allowed and appropriate behavior on school property. 

WCPSS implemented a district-wide no bag/clear bag policy in 2024 that requires anyone attending a Wake County school event to bring no bag or a clear bag that is subject to be searched. 

Some schools have more specific rules. 

For Enloe High School, students must have their IDs, and no outside food or drink is permitted inside. The school’s events are also all cashless. 

Across the board, schools are enforcing swift entries and exits at the games. Attendees are not allowed to stand or gather in areas they don’t have to, like in parking lots or behind bleachers. And parents who plan to pick up their child must do so immediately following the game, since they are not allowed to wait in the lots. 

Those who are curious about their specific school’s safety guidelines should contact or go to their school’s website. It seems that for all schools, any patrons not complying with outlined expectations will not be allowed into or will be asked to leave the event. 

Sara Clark, the senior director of communications at WCPSS, said the district relies on their partnership with law enforcement, WCPSS security and school leaders to implement measures to keep all event attendees safe.

“When we host large school events, nothing is more important than the safety of our students, staff and families,” Clark wrote in an email to families. 

“We are reviewing our current processes and working on some additional steps to enhance security at spectator events. These measures will be a part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our campuses safe.”