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Board discusses portable weapon-detection columns; no purchase tonight
Summary
The board heard a demonstration proposal for Open Gate portable weapon-detection columns that detect handguns and large knives; initial pricing discussed (vendor cited $20,000 per two-pole set); Mr. Graham asked for an in-person demo and did not recommend immediate purchase.
Nashville School District leaders discussed a portable weapon-detection system from Open Gate that uses two columns to screen entrants for firearms and large knives.
Mr. Graham said he had been skeptical initially but, after viewing a vendor presentation, saw potential for portable deterrence and asked the company to return with a device for board members to examine. He described the units as mobile, able to be set up at stadiums or entry points, and configurable to detect handguns or be adjusted to function like a metal detector. The vendor reportedly mentioned an early high-end figure but clarified the cost of portable two-column sets at about $20,000; multiplying that for coverage (two sets for high school, two for junior high) would raise the total depending on how many entries the district wanted to cover.
Board members discussed the messaging such equipment sends to the community, flow and staffing impacts (resource officer needed when an alarm triggers), and the potential to pilot the units at events such as graduation. Mr. Graham said he was not ready to recommend purchase that night but that he could arrange a demonstration at a future meeting.
No purchase motion was made.
