School board weighs security screening options
7:12 p.m. March 9, 2026
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
The Moore County Board of Education on Monday, March 9, discussed a school security screening system that could cost far less than a six-figure multi-year lease option, though the board took no action.
District 4 board member Kaleigh Hatfield mentioned OPENGATE as one option as officials prepare the next budget and weigh possible school security upgrades.
Hatfield said OPENGATE could cost about $15,000 to $20,000 – two pillars – as a one-time direct purchase, compared with a six-figure multi-year lease through Evolv.
According to CEIA USA’s K-12 school security materials, OPENGATE is a walk-through weapons detection system designed for schools and other high-traffic settings. The company says it is intended to move students and visitors through checkpoints quickly while allowing them to keep backpacks, purses, and other bags.
CEIA says the portable unit can be set up in less than a minute and run on either rechargeable batteries or a standard wall outlet.
Hatfield said the district could use Tennessee Safe Schools Act funding for such a purchase, and Director of Schools Chad Moorehead agreed.
“It could definitely go toward it,” he said.
Moorehead said the district is already examining several security measures, including AI-assisted camera technology, physical detection systems, camera upgrades, and parking lot improvements, as it works through budget planning for the coming year.
He said the district’s next steps will depend on how the budget takes shape once required cost increases are known.
Moorehead said the district will have a better sense of its options once officials know expected increases in insurance, retirement, and other fixed costs, as well as any salary improvements they hope to make without seeking a tax increase.
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