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Charter school leaders weigh OpenGate metal detectors after demo, estimate $287,950 rollout
Summary
Superintendent Jackie Collins presented a vendor demo and a $287,950 system estimate to install OpenGate metal-detection units at the district's four schools; trustees discussed optics, staffing and possible grant offsets but did not authorize immediate purchase.
On Oct. 14, at a meeting of the Cape Coral Charter School Authority Governing Board, Superintendent Jackie Collins briefed trustees on a recent demonstration of OpenGate metal-detection units and gave an initial cost estimate for equipping all four schools.
Collins told the board the system uses a pair of free-standing bars, runs from batteries or a plug, and is controlled by an app for calibration. "The cost for 1 unit ... is about is approximately $20,000," she said, and listed the authority's preliminary total estimate — including multiple units per campus, wands, stabilizers, signage and security detail — at about $287,950.
The superintendent said the devices would be placed at each access point for students and for large evening events. She described additional line-management needs — tables for bag inspections, wands for secondary screening and CCPD detail for major events — and said Lee County schools set sensitivity to detect weapons of destruction while allowing the district to change sensitivity for high-attendance events.
Board members voiced mixed reactions. "Safety has to trump that, and I understand that as well," said Chair Jared Christopher, describing the tension between preserving a school’s atmosphere and protecting students. Board member Santos said parents initially raised concerns but that "for the peace of mind, I completely agree" with a move toward screening.
Trustees discussed funding options. Collins said the project is not budgeted for fiscal 2026 and that the authority could consider combining smaller, recurring safety grants (referred to in the meeting as "TAPS 25") with other local funding; she also said the quoted vendor price matched the Lee County contract and included a one‑year warranty and on‑site training. Collins said she would continue conversations with the city manager and the police chief to refine costs and rollout plans.
No motion to purchase or to allocate funds was taken at the meeting; Collins characterized the discussion as informational and next steps would include additional discussions with city officials and a funding plan.
Estimated equipment and cost details Collins provided included: two bars per unit with battery or plug option; roughly three devices for each of the elementary and middle schools and four for the high school (front office and multiple entry points); a recommended wand system for secondary screening; stabilizers/sandbags for outdoor placement; signage; and the estimated cost for CCPD detail at large events.
Board members also asked about ongoing staffing and stipend needs. Collins said Lee County pays a stipend for staff who run the units and that a similar ad pay would likely be necessary, plus the existing practice of paying for police detail during major events.
The board did not take a vote. Collins said the authority would return with more details about sensitivity settings, staffing, and funding options at a future meeting.
