BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — The Board of Education has voted to authorize the immediate purchase of OpenGate Weapons Detection System to be installed in three Barrow County high schools.
Classes were cancelled on Thursday at Apalachee High School after a student was arrested for bringing a gun into school on Wednesday, according to police. That incident happened just months after a mass shooting claimed the lives of two teachers and two students.
“We’ve carefully and thoughtfully evaluated our options to enhance safety and security in our schools, and we are grateful for the Board’s support. Safety requires multiple layers of protection and these enhancements help make our schools more secure,” said Dr. Dallas LeDuff, Barrow County School System Superintendent.
In September of 2024, four people were killed and nine others were injured after a shooting at Apalachee High School.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the shooter as 14-year-old Colt Gray.
“As a reminder, please encourage your students to say something if they see something concerning. Our Tip Line is available to you to anonymously report any safety issue. Together, we will help to ensure our students and staff are safe,” LeDuff said.