During Thursday’s Mountain Home School Board meeting, Safety and Security Coordinator Eddie Helmert presented a proposal to maintain the district’s “layered” approach to school security by purchasing weapons detection systems for the junior high and high school. The proposed system, projected to cost $148,000, was approved by a 6-1 vote.
The system approved by the board is known as OpenGate, and Helmert says it will be provided through Mountain Home-based Entry Shield.
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It’s been over three months since threats were made toward the school district on social media, and when it comes to school safety, Helmert says he would rather be proactive than reactive in taking measures to protect students and staff.
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The concern for safety on campus is not limited to a regular day of classes. Helmert says a mobile unit will also be available at the Mountain Home High School Career Academies campus that could be used sporting events, graduations or other similar activities.
Another measure approved by the board on Thursday was the purchase of additional door locks with additional funding from the state of Arkansas in the amount of $59,000. Superintendent Allyson Dewey says the purchase will remove human error.
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Helmert says district officials will be looking at other safety measures for lower grades as the year continues.
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