OpenGate, a weapons detection system going into Lee County schools

The Lee County School District is rolling out a new weapons detection system called “OpenGate,” checking people for weapons and contraband.

Flor Lopez is a Fort Myers mom with four kids. She told WINK News sending them to school these days is terrifying.

“It’s scary because you never know when someone is gonna go and, you know, come with a gun, kill them. It’s very scary,” Lopez said.

Lopez isn’t the only parent feeling that way either. That’s why Lee County schools are stepping up campus security. The district purchased OpenGate, a weapons detection system designed to screen for banned items, anything from a gun to a vape.

“Every single school will have their weapon detection device in Lee County,” David Newlan, the executive director of safety, security, and emergency management for the Lee County School District, said.

Newlan told WINK News the system is designed to screen students and staff as they enter each school without interrupting them, with no bag removal necessary.

“It’s not a metal detector,” Newlan said. “It’s very non-intrusive. So again, it’s not, you know, as you walk through, sometimes it may not even be noticeable.”

Lopez couldn’t be more pleased with the news.

“With everything that’s happening with everything that’s going on? I 100% agree with what they’re doing. Now I feel a little bit more…less worried that my kids are going to school,” Lopez said.

Newlan said the reaction from students and staff so far is similar.

“They want to feel safe. And this is a step forward in that direction,” Newlan said.

Because you can’t put a price on a child’s life.

“Thank you for finally doing something that’s going to protect our children,” Lopez said.

The new security system will cost upwards of $3,000,000. Lee County schools plan to roll out OpenGate in waves beginning in the Fall.