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Open Gate entry system and SRO staffing credited with smoother school entry and added deterrence, police and staff say
Summary
Sergeant Sarnoski and district staff reported Open Gate entry screening is operating at six schools, producing few disruptions and acting as a deterrent; SRO staffing changes and a new regional crisis clinician were also reported.
Sergeant Sarnoski, who leads the division’s Safe Schools Task Force, reported to the school board that the Open Gate entry system has been implemented across the district’s six schools and is yielding positive feedback from staff and students.
"We wanna make sure that our environment here within our school division is safe, but also inviting. Open Gate has certainly served us so well as being another layer, to make sure we can achieve that goal today," Sarnoski said, describing the system as versatile, reliable and simple to operate.
Sarnoski said the system requires every student and visitor to pass through the screening gates on entry; when an alert occurs staff follow a trained process that quickly checks the flagged item so students can continue into school. He listed common false alarms — umbrellas, large three‑ring binders and metal water bottles — and said staff and students have adapted to the routine.
SRO staffing briefly reached full strength in the last year but changed when one deputy transferred out; the division added Deputy Irving to Jewett Elementary School, Sarnoski said, and praised deputies and administrators for their role in regular safety audits. He said two cameras at Thomas Jefferson were awaiting parts and should be installed by month’s end, and that staff are addressing small maintenance items discovered during walkthroughs (for example, tape and emergency buttons).
Sarnoski also said the district added a regional crisis clinician (Region 10) to support mental‑health needs at the high school and highlighted the district’s priorities for regular safety audits and relationship‑building between staff, SROs and students.
The Safe Schools report included a short professionally produced video demonstrating the Open Gate process and student reactions; Sarnoski said the district will share the link with the board. No votes were taken on the safety items; staff said they will continue routine audits, camera installations and training.
