Apalachee HS announces digital learning day Monday for metal detector installation

Apalachee High School will observe a Digital Learning Day on Monday to allow the installation of metal detectors.

Less than six months after a deadly school shooting that killed four people, a second confirmed report of a student found with a weapon on campus triggered Barrow County school officials to approve immediate funding for the purchase and installation of Open Gate metal detectors at all three county high schools during a called-meeting Thursday evening.

"It’s long overdue," community organizer Layla Contreras tells FOX 5. "Let’s just say that."

Contreras says she welcomes what she believes is the first tangible sign of "change at 'Chee" since that tragic day last September.

WINDER, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 5: The entrance sign of Apalachee High School adorned with flowers from visitors on September 5, 2024 in Winder, Georgia. Two students and two teachers were shot and killed at the school on September 4, and a 14-year-old s

"I think there’s a sense of relief right now. I think that students are gonna be feeling more secure at school," she says.

It’s a sense of relief she says will ease the safety concerns she has had about her younger sister, a junior at Apalachee, and her mother, who is a substitute teacher.

While students learn from home, the school staff will become acquainted with the new devices and procedures.

Students can still come to campus to pick up breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extracurricular activities will continue as scheduled.

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Barrow County BOE approves high school metal detectors

On Thursday, the Barrow County Board of Education unanimously approved the installation of weapons detection systems at all county high schools more than 130 days after the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School.

The systems are expected to cost around $700,000.

"Our priority is to protect the wellbeing and safety of our students," said Lisa Maloof, Board of Education Chair. "We know there is more work to do, and we’re committed to continuing the conversation with our community and safety experts to make our schools safe spaces where learning can thrive."

"The actions that the board of education took is a great first step in the right direction, and we’re hoping to see a lot more changes come to our elementary schools and our middle schools because it doesn’t end here," Contreras explains.

They’re also pushing for a district-wide clear backpack policy and a community forum-style safety town hall to be hosted by school officials. 

How OpenGate weapons detection system works

The weapons detection system being installed is called "OpenGate." Here's how it works:

Everyone entering the school will be required to pass through the detection devices, with random screenings conducted throughout the day. To accommodate potential delays, student drivers and car riders are advised to arrive 15 minutes earlier than usual during the first few weeks of implementation.

To expedite the screening process, students and staff are asked to hand over Chromebooks, three-ring binders, and metal water bottles to staff members stationed beside the devices. Studnets and staff are also discouraged from carrying unnecessary bags.

If a detection device signals an alert with a sound and red light, individuals will undergo further screening.

OpenGate representatives will also be present to provide guidance. 

"We ask our community to extend patience and grace as we work together through this change," said Principal Jessica Rehberg & Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff in a publicly released statement. "Thank you for your continued cooperation and support."

The Source: Apalachee High School Principal Jessica Rehberg and Barrow County Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff released the information included in this article in a public statement made on Jan. 11, 2025. Some information was previously reported by FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Denise Dillon.

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