By Joe Johnson
The Barrow County School board voted Friday to approve the immediate purchase of the OpenGate Weapons Detection System to be installed in the system's three high schools.
The move comes four months after a student killed four people and injured nine others with an assault rifle at the Apalachee High School in Winder.
Another student was arrested at school last week while in possession of a handgun.
The board’s decision was made during a called meeting to discuss school safety enhancements. Board members authorized up to $700,000 for the purchase with the system’s installations to begin next week.
“Our priority is to protect the wellbeing and safety of our students,” Lisa Maloof, Board of Education Chair, said in a release on the district’s website. “We know there is more work to do, and we’re committed to continuing the conversation with our community and safety experts to make our schools safe spaces where learning can thrive.
Barrow County Schools Superintendent Dallas LeDuff recommended the purchase to the board. LeDuff said the purchase of the system will be followed by additional safety measures as district officials speak with experts about other safety changes.
“We have carefully and thoughtfully evaluated different measures to enhance safety and security in our schools, and we are grateful for the Board’s support in the immediate purchase of weapons detection systems in our high schools,” LeDuff said. “Safety requires multiple layers of protection, and these enhancements will help make our schools more secure.”
The district also reminded parents to encourage their students to speak out against any safety concerns they see within their schools. To anonymously report a safety issue within the school system, visit the district’s Tip Line.