MOULTRIE, GA – November 19, 2024 – In support of enhancing student safety and security, the Colquitt County Board of Education has approved the implementation of the state-of-the-art OPENGATE Weapons Detection System to be installed at the middle, junior, and high school beginning sometime in early 2025. This decision underscores the Board's commitment to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff members.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp enacted a school safety grant program in the FY2025 budget. This program aims to allocate essential funding annually to school districts to enhance the safety and security of students and communities. The school safety grant program funds will be used to purchase the OPENGATE Weapons Detection System.
OPENGATE's innovative technology is designed to identify potential threats, including firearms and other weapons, while maintaining an uninterrupted flow of students and staff as they enter school buildings. By adopting this state-of-the-art security solution, the district will foster a more secure learning environment.
"The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority," stated Dan Chappuis, Colquitt County School District Superintendent. “We are confident that implementing OPENGATE's Weapons Detection System will significantly enhance our existing security measures and provide an essential layer of protection for our school community.”
The Colquitt County Board of Education remains dedicated to creating a safe and secure educational environment for all staff and students. This partnership with OPENGATE reflects the district's commitment to actively promoting the well-being of our school community. It is one of several initiatives to foster a supportive and healthy environment for students and staff. Additional information will be provided over the next several months to students, staff, families, and the community about the implementation of these devices and the procedures for their use.
For information on other District Safety Initiatives, please visit https://www.colquitt.k12.ga.us/departments/school-safety/index.