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By Mike Barnhardt
Enterprise Record

Public schools in Davie County will soon have an added layer of safety. Students and visitors will have to walk through a weapons detection system to enter the buildings.
The board of education unanimously approved the purchase of 18 such devices at a cost of $349,158 earlier this month. The cost is expected to be reimbursed by a state grant, said Clay Harris, schools finance director.
Just the discussion of the need for such devices bothered staff and board members.
“I think it is absolutely disgusting that we’ve gotten ourselves into this situation to where we feel like we have to have another layer of security,” said board member, Paul Drechsler.
“It bothers me that we’re at this point,” said superintendent, Jeff Wallace. “It hurts my heart to think that we have to think about that level of protection in our schools, but we do.”
The devices are portable, so more can be sent to special events that draw crowds. Evan Hanner, a representative with OPENGATE weapons detection system, said the devices should be able to check 1,500 people per hour.
“The decision to use metal detectors must not be made out of fear, but of an unwavering commitment that our schools remain safe,” said Davie High Principal Michael Pruitt.
The detectors will have a symbolic impact, he said.
“It is essential that we, as a community, take this opportunity to remind our students and their families that the presence of weapons detection systems is not an indication that we view them as threats. On the contrary, it is a sign that we are doing everything in our power to protect them.”
Pruitt said that staff members building trusting relationships with students is still more important.
“No one wanted it to come to this point,” Pruitt said. “In the past few years, we’ve all heard about the increasing need for proactive security measures for our schools. I have seen a dramatic shift in attitudes among my own staff, students and parents.
“While our schools are generally safe, we cannot ignore the growing incidents of violence in schools across the country. We must recognize that we live in a time when there are real concerns, and it is our duty to take steps to address those concerns before they become tragedies.”
OPENGATE is a state-of-the-art, walk-through detection system that is in use in stadiums, arenas, theme parks, hospitals, and other school districts across North Carolina and the country.
“We are thankful to the school board’s support to add this additional layer of security in our district, and for our partnership with the Davie County Sheriff’s Office in helping us select the best state-of-the-art weapons detection system for our schools, reinforcing our commitment to safety for everyone on our school campuses,” said Wallace. “OPENGATE is just one piece of our safety plan, which has the ability to detect and prevent threats before they arise. We want to reassure families that we are taking every step possible to create a safe environment, and feel confident that safety is our top priority each day at school.”
The units will be implemented across the district in stages, beginning with the middle and high schools. All students and visitors will be required to enter the schools through an OPENGATE system.
“Our goal is to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all students and visitors while minimizing any educational disruptions,” said Wallace. “As these systems are rolled out, we will continue to prioritize ongoing communication with families to ensure new procedures and how they will impact daily routines. Based on all information we have received from school systems that have already implemented OPENGATE, once the initial training of staff and students is completed, the morning check-in process goes smoothly and efficiently.”
To keep families informed, each school will send specific updates when they are available, and a dedicated information page will be available on our Safe + Secure page on godavie.org.