Barrow County board authorizes up to $700,000 for metal-detection systems at high schools

Barrow County Board of Education members on Jan. 9 voted to authorize the purchase of open‑gate metal‑detection systems for all three county high schools, with a maximum price of $700,000, following a recent weapons incident at Apalachee High School. The motion was made by Board member Ms. Kelly and seconded by Board member Ms. Lord and passed by voice vote.

Board member and meeting participants were told the move follows months of safety planning and a weapon that was confiscated at Apalachee High School the day before the meeting. Dr. Liddell, who presented the recommendation, told the board the proposal is one step in an ongoing effort: "This will not be the last things that we recommend. This will not be the last things that we do." He recommended the purchase of an "open gate system, metal detection with a maximum price of $700,000 to be utilized, at all 3 of our high schools."

The board first met in a called session and moved into a private executive session to discuss safety plans before taking the public vote. The executive‑session motion to meet privately was moved by Miss Hendricks and seconded by Miss Carey; the board approved the session by voice vote. Meeting materials noted that information not compromising school safety will be reflected in the minutes, while sensitive details will remain private.

After the authorization vote, the board was informed staff expect to receive the systems and begin training "beginning early next week," and that administrators will have conversations with staff about potentially reducing the number of bags brought onto campuses. Dr. Liddell said the district will continue to seek expert advice and community input and that additional recommendations would come at a subsequent work session.

The public was reminded that, because this was a called meeting dealing with sensitive safety preparations, public comment was not allowed. The board did not specify the procurement vendor, the funding source for the purchase, or an installation timetable beyond the staff comment that training and initial receipt of systems could start early next week.

Board members and staff emphasized that the metal‑detection systems are one layer in a broader safety strategy that will continue to be refined in coming meetings.