The Wichita Board of Education voted to approve an increase to security at area high schools. The move comes after recent incidents of violence and five handguns that were confiscated from students on school grounds since the beginning of the school year.
Safety Director Terri Moses says they had been considering adding Opengate weapon detectors, even before the recent incidents, and says they will be simple to operate.
“I think it’s very common place. This, (Opengate weapon detectors), is a little bit different, because you don’t have to take everything out.” Moses said.
The Opengate devices are meant to pick up large metal objects, such as guns, large knives and explosives, and provide more convenience than ordinary metal detectors.
At Monday’s meeting, the board voted to approve $1.5 Million for up to 50 Opengate weapon detectors. Depending on availability and the supply chain, they hope to have them in place by the end of the year.