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Glynn County launches Open Gate screening towers at all schools; staff report learning curve and adjustments
Summary
District reported the roll-out of Open Gate weapons-detection towers to all school locations with training, continued sensitivity adjustments and staffing needs; some portable towers are used at events.
Glynn County Schools told the board on Feb. 6 that the district’s Open Gate weapons-detection towers are now operational at all school locations and that administrators and staff have been trained on their use.
Mr. Benson said the district "brought the towers to life" and that initial training for school administrators took place in mid-January, with the first student screening day occurring in January. He described the towers as an additional layer of security alongside student relationships, anonymous reporting apps, school resource officers and cameras.
Benson said screening occurs at arrival and continues throughout the day for visitors who enter the main foyer. Staff noted that the towers can be portable and have been used at athletic events; sensitivity settings and notification sounds have been adjusted to reduce false positives and to manage traffic flow. District staff said they have recommended additional towers at some locations and are considering staffing adjustments where morning volumes are high. Board members discussed challenges at larger campuses with multiple entrances and noted the system requires a human element of monitoring and training for students and staff.
No vote was taken; staff said the district is continuing to refine settings and staffing arrangements for deployment across sites and for special events.
