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Superintendent reports on weapon-detection vendor with lower price point; board discusses potential rollout
Summary
Superintendent Boyd reported on discussions with a vendor, OpenGate (CEIA Security), that offers a purchasable weapon-detection system; the district is exploring the product as a lower-cost alternative to previously reviewed systems and discussed potential timelines and capabilities.
Superintendent Doctor Boyd reported that the division is continuing to evaluate technology-based school-safety options and described a demonstration with a company called OpenGate, an affiliate of CEIA Security, that supplies weapon-detection systems used at stadiums and other venues.
Boyd said the OpenGate product appeared promising in a virtual demonstration: unlike a previously considered vendor that required a multi-year lease at a high price point, the OpenGate system can be purchased outright and — based on preliminary numbers discussed in the demo — could allow the division to outfit multiple schools at a cost roughly comparable to the purchase price of a single unit from the prior vendor. He described features including an app that connects to the system, adjustable frequency settings to detect different-sized metal items (from weapons to smaller items such as vaping devices), and the vendor's claim that the system can allow passage of backpacks and purses without slowing entry.
Board members asked whether the system could be available before the next school year; Boyd said the vendor cited a roughly two- to three-week turnaround for units.
No formal procurement decisions were made at the meeting. The superintendent said staff will continue discussions with the company and refine cost estimates and implementation plans for board consideration.
