GCSS Enhances Safety Measures with OpenGate

Glynn County Schools continues to keep the safety of students and staff its highest priority by adding to the multiple safety measures already implemented throughout the district. These enhancements come amid a renewed focus nationally on school safety and security in the wake of the school shooting that took place in Winder, Ga., in September.

At the November 12 Board Meeting, the Glynn County Board of Education unanimously approved the acquisition of a state-of-the-art weapons detection system that can be rapidly deployed to schools and school facilities for purposes of detecting the possible presence and possession of weapons. This high-tech weapons detection system, OpenGate, is the first wire-free, screening portal consisting of two independent and self-powered pillars with each pillar equipped with a support base and electronic analysis system. Unlike metal detector gates, OpenGate does not require a mechanical and electrical connection between the two transducers that define the passageway.

GCSS has enhanced other safety measures throughout the district over the past few years including controlled access at every school with a safety vestibule.

The school safety division has worked with local law enforcement to have digital access to floor plans and surveillance systems. GCSS has over 2,000 surveillance cameras on campuses and continues to replace older systems with updated technology.

Training and safety drills have also been and will continue to be a focus of the school safety division.  The district and schools also promote “See or Hear Something, Say Something” among parents/guardians, students, and staff and encourage everyone to speak up.

For more information on these multi-layered school safety measures, please visit www.glynn.k12.ga.us/safety/