Earlier this school year, a student brought a handgun to Wm. Floyd High School prompted quick action by law enforcement and the school district. The District quickly implemented safety and detection measures to protect students and staff.
Following the incident, the Board of Education decided in an emergency executive session that all designated entrances in each K-12 school will be equipped with walk-through metal detectors. The time for implementation has come.
The William Floyd School District announced that they are set to begin the use of metal detectors in a pilot program at William Floyd High School beginning next week. The district worked with vendor, GXC Inc., to implement, test, train, and establish procedures. This pilot program (starting with three units) will test the use of metal detectors at the north, south, east, freshman, and Floyd Academy entrances.
After a successful pilot program at the high school, the same program will be rolled out in the middle and elementary schools.
James Montalto, Public Relations Director of Wm. Floyd Schools, said, “The district worked swiftly and efficiently over these past two months to get this pilot program off the ground. After conducting our due diligence, we selected the OPENGATE system which provides quality metal detection with a more subtle look, which we felt was important to maintain a welcoming school environment for our students. We are hopeful that we can work out any issues or challenges that may arise in this pilot, so the transition to the middle and elementary school levels will be seamless.”
During the trial run, random groups of students will be selected to test at each high school entrance, while the process is tested for effectiveness and efficiency. Once the procedures are in place and working successfully, additional units will be deployed at each entrance to ensure a smooth and efficient entrance into the building each school day.
The district said that “there will be a learning curve and expected challenges along the way with a new initiative of this size and scope, but we will continue to make progress and strive to keep our students and staff safe. We will continue to keep the community informed every step of the way.”
The District gave answers to some basic questions parents and students might have.
What is the OpenGate metal detection system?
OpenGate is a metal detection system from GXC, Inc., a metal detection company located in Islandia, NY. OpenGate is a state-of-the-art wirefree screening portal consisting of two independent pillars equipped with a support base and electronic analysis system. The units are more visually appealing and do not give the feeling of a courthouse, jail or an airport metal-detection system.
Has the OpenGate system been used anywhere else?
Yes, it has been used in many prominent locations serving many thousands of people quickly and efficiently. This is the same weapons detection system used by many professional sports teams from the NFL, NBA and MLB. It is also used by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the United States Tennis Association, Apple, Amazon, the NYPD, the Dallas Independent School District, and many others.
Why was the OpenGate system selected?
The system was selected for the ability to screen large numbers of people quicklyas well as efficacy, reduced false alarms, portability, indoor and outdoor use, and focus on weapons detection rather than just focusing on metal objects.
What will the pilot program at the high school be like?
Students will enter the building and random groups of students will be chosen to walk through the metal detectors. During this time, we will document any issues such as long wait times, false alarms or student hesitancy. We will also use this as an opportunity to collect data for efficiency and effectiveness.
Will this replace the metal detector wands?
This high school pilot program will continue to be done in coordination with the metal detector wands that have been in use for more than a decade.
Will it negatively impact short- and long-term health?
The system is not harmful as it uses non-ionizing electromagnetic fields far below levels considered dangerous to human health. It is safe for those with cardiac pacemakers, insulin pumps, cochlear implants, etc.