Many school districts across the country are now extending their security measures beyond the school day by using weapons detection systems at school board meetings. These gatherings often draw large crowds and can involve emotionally charged discussions, making safety a priority for students, staff, parents, and community members alike.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) in Virginia is one of the latest districts to adopt this approach. Already using OPENGATE in its district, FCPS now deploys the system at board meetings to provide the same level of safety and reassurance outside of regular school hours.

Tom McDermott, K-12 Safety & Security Coach and Market Manager at CEIA USA, has seen this approach grow out of necessity. “The first time I heard of a district doing this was when board members faced direct threats, including someone saying they would go get a gun and come back. Incidents like that showed districts the need for a way to protect not only students, but also parents and community members who attend board meetings.”.

McDermott agreed, pointing to a larger cultural shift. “Parents see this kind of protection at concerts, sporting events, and at schools,” he explained. “The more familiar it becomes, the more comfortable families are knowing safety is being prioritized wherever large groups gather. The vast majority of parents are thankful and think it’s the right thing. Like all of us, they think it’s crazy that we have to do this, but they are thankful districts are taking these steps.”

According to Dave Ellis, Field Applications Engineer with CEIA USA, visible security at these meetings is about more than just screening. “Deploying OPENGATE at board meetings signals that the district takes both safety and open dialogue seriously,” Ellis said. “Board meetings can be emotionally charged, and visible security measures such as OPENGATE help create a secure environment without the intimidating appearance of traditional detectors.”

One of the most significant advantages of OPENGATE is its portability. Districts can quickly transition the system from school entrances to meeting spaces, ensuring safety without slowing down operations. “Units can be set up in under a minute and moved as needed, ensuring protection is scaled to the event,” Ellis explained. “That flexibility allows schools to extend safety wherever it is needed most.”

As more districts implement weapon detection at board meetings, OPENGATE is proving to be a practical solution: trusted detection, rapid setup, and a reassuring design that makes board meetings safer and more welcoming spaces for open dialogue.