Myrtle Beach News: Horry County Schools to Add Weapons Detection Systems
CONWAY: In response to a recent incident where a student brought a gun inside Myrtle Beach Middle School, the Horry County Board of Education has approved a series of district-wide security upgrades, including the installation of weapons detection systems. The decision was made during a special-called meeting on March 18, following public pressure from concerned parents.
Delayed Implementation
Emails reviewed by The Post & Courier revealed that discussions about adding weapons detection technology had been ongoing for over a year before the recent gun incident prompted action. District officials had considered various alternatives, including the OPENGATE freestanding detection systems, which were eventually approved for installation in all schools.
Enhanced Security Measures
The board’s approved security improvement plan includes the addition of guards at school buildings and the installation of OPENGATE detection systems, known for their real-time status and alarm indicators. The systems are designed to detect multi-caliber weapons and explosives, providing a faster screening process for individuals passing through school entry points.
Parental Concerns
While parents like Meredith Kennedy, whose child attends Myrtle Beach Middle School, acknowledge the progress in implementing enhanced security measures, concerns remain about the effectiveness of the plan. Kennedy emphasized the importance of having dedicated security personnel overseeing the screening process, especially during morning arrivals.
Future Plans
The school district intends to hire additional security personnel in middle and high schools to assist with daily screenings. Moreover, the board plans to assess the effectiveness of the new security measures after the first semester of the next school year.
Overall, the Horry County Board of Education is committed to prioritizing school safety and security, with ongoing efforts to enhance the protection of students and staff across all district schools.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
