Weapons detection system rolled out at Burrell High School
Burrell High School will roll out a weapons detection system this school year.
Superintendent Shannon Wagner said an OpenGate detection system will be implemented at the high school during the beginning of the school day.
“It’s like what’s used at a Steelers game, or any kind of large event,” Wagner said.
She said information on how the system will work has been communicated to students.
The first day of school for students in Burrell is Tuesday.
“Having the OpenGate system is another layer of security to do anything we can to protect our kids and staff,” Wagner said.
The system cost the district about $68,000, Wagner said.
The OpenGate system will be at the high school only. Wagner said it could be used in the future at large, school district events.
Other area school districts that have recently installed weapons detectors include Plum, Shaler Area, Hempfield Area and Franklin Regional.
Also new in Burrell this year is the addition of an armed security guard, Patrick Dowling, at Charles A. Huston Middle School. Dowling is a retired state trooper, Wagner said.
Kelly Morrissey will continue to be the armed security guard at Bon Air Elementary, Wagner said.
Kellen Stepler is a TribLive reporter covering the Allegheny Valley and Burrell school districts and surrounding areas. He joined the Trib in April 2023. He can be reached at kstepler@triblive.com.
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