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Beauregard Parish School Board approves purchase of 20 portable metal detectors funded by bond
Summary
The Beauregard Parish School Board approved a $370,020 purchase of 20 Open Gate portable metal detectors, to be funded from the district's current bond program. The devices are portable, include training and a multi-year warranty, and must be distributed across 13 schools and athletic venues, board members said.
The Beauregard Parish School Board voted to approve a quote to purchase 20 Open Gate portable metal detectors for parish schools, funding the purchase from the district's current bond program.
Board staff presented the detectors as a portable option that can be used at main entrances, bus and parent drop-off lanes, and at extracurricular events. Kelly, a district staff member, said the vendor estimates the devices "will move about 500 people through them in about a 10 minute period," and described setup as controlled through a phone or tablet app that is included in the purchase and training package.
The quote presented to the board lists a base price of $370,020 that includes training. The district noted additional optional accessories such as heavier base plates, suction cups, AC adapters and branded sleeves are available at extra cost. Warranty information provided during discussion: a two-year manufacturer warranty on the units, five-year warranty on chargers and three-year warranty on batteries; batteries are replaceable and use a common drill-style battery platform.
Board members discussed deployment logistics for larger, open high school campuses and how multiple detectors could be used to funnel students through central entrances. The staff presentation said the 20-unit total would equip each of the parish's 13 schools with at least one device and leave extras for high schools and events.
Board members also discussed alternatives such as permanent installations and service/repair procedures; staff said the devices were purchased through the School Specialty cooperative (an Equalis-like procurement), which eliminates the need for a local bid process for this purchase. The board confirmed the devices would be funded from the district's approved bond projects.
Motion and outcome: A motion to approve the quote was made by Mister Arshield and seconded by Mister Sanderford; the board voted to approve the purchase (vote: ayes recorded; no opposition recorded).
