McMinn Central High School put its new weapons-detection portal into full-time action Wednesday morning, running about 515 students through the CEIA OpenGate system as they arrived for class. Administrators said advance planning kept the lines moving, with only minimal delays, and the district publicly thanked parents and the McMinn Central community for working the new routine into their morning.
First Morning Through The Gates At McMinn Central
In a message shared on Facebook by McMinn County Schools, Justin Wallace and Melasawn Knight reported that 515 students went through screening on March 25 and credited Principal Mr. Slack and his administrative team for their “leadership and careful planning” in rolling out the new procedures. The post called on students to have laptops, tablets, three-ring binders, spiral notebooks, and umbrellas ready to hand to staff as they approach the portal, a small logistical tweak meant to keep the lines from backing up. The district described the first full day of use as “a fantastic success.”
The rollout follows a February district notice that said the system was chosen after more than a year of review and was approved by the school board in December 2025, according to McMinn Central High School. That notice characterized OpenGate as a fast, non-intrusive screening solution intended to let students enter quickly while still detecting metal threats.
How The OpenGate Portal Works
According to CEIA USA, OPENGATE is a lightweight, portable walkthrough detector designed for high throughput that can be set up in under a minute and scan people without requiring them to remove bags or electronics. CEIA and customer testimonials emphasize rapid deployment, minimal disruption at entry points, and the ability to flag large metal objects while keeping foot traffic flowing.
Districts across Tennessee have been adding similar scanners as part of broader safety strategies. For example, NewsChannel 5 reported that Clarksville‑Montgomery County transitioned from Evolv to OPENGATE this spring after a pilot program, citing lower long-term costs and installing units across multiple high schools.
School officials are asking families to help keep the process smooth by having required items in hand as students approach the checkpoint, and they noted that entry should move even faster as staff and students settle into the routine, according to McMinn County Schools. Administrators said they will keep refining the procedures and sharing updates with families.
The district’s materials and staff contact information remain available on the school website for families who have questions, the February notice added. McMinn County Schools said it appreciates the community’s patience as OPENGATE becomes part of the daily arrival at McMinn Central.
