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District reviews portable weapons‑detection gates with steep per‑entrance costs and staffing questions
Summary
Staff presented a portable walkthrough weapons‑detection system option priced at roughly $18,000–$21,000 per entrance and noted ongoing battery, app and staffing needs; board members raised concerns about feasibility at large high schools and about additional daily staffing burdens.
Speaker 1 presented information on a portable walkthrough weapons‑detection gate product as an option to enhance school entry security. He described the unit as two pillars with rechargeable 18‑volt batteries (roughly $350 each) that are wireless and controlled by a tablet or phone app; a full unit was quoted in the district materials at about $18,000 and Speaker 1 said a cautious upper estimate of $21,000 per entrance was reasonable pending a bulk discount or formal bid.
Board members questioned the staffing model required to operate gates at multiple entrances. Several members said a single monitored entrance might be feasible for some elementary and smaller schools but would be impractical at larger high schools with multiple arrival points and continuous parent traffic. Speaker 1 flagged extra costs for spare batteries and staff time, and recommended following the district’s procurement rules if the board decides to pursue a purchase.
The board did not vote on the proposal. Staff were asked to produce a cost and staffing worksheet that shows per‑school estimates (number of entrances, required attendant hours and spare battery/maintenance needs) before recommending procurement.
