Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA, OTCQX: XTRAF, FRA: 0PL) has been selected by Volusia County Schools in Florida to improve security screening procedures across the district’s high schools starting in 2025. Through a partnership with systems integrator CK2 Technologies, the phased rollout will see 48 of the Company’s signature Gateway security systems installed at campus entry points, creating what officials say is a more secure and student-friendly environment for the new school year.
School districts across the United States are rethinking how to handle school safety amid mounting pressures from communities, parents, and policymakers. Security teams are being asked to implement solutions that not only mitigate threats but also avoid unnecessary disruptions to daily student life. The decision by Volusia County Schools came after they evaluated several security screening tools in real-world settings, where systems requiring students to fully remove bags and belongings or which depend heavily on X-ray inspection proved less practical and often slowed campus entry.
Xtract One’s Gateway stood out for its ability to efficiently assess both individuals and their possessions without requiring backpacks to be removed. This subtle yet powerful feature means less time in security lines and fewer students being pulled aside for secondary checks. The system’s technology uses proprietary sensors and bi-directional screening to differentiate between everyday school items like binders and laptops and dangerous weapons, thus reducing the need for manual intervention.
Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One, emphasized the broader trend, noting that “safe school environments are a prerequisite for student success and a foundational standard for the broader communities that support them.” He pointed to the growing demand for technology that balances robust threat detection with the practical realities of busy school settings. Evans said the deployment in Volusia County is both a win for student safety and an affirmation of Xtract One’s credibility in shaping global safety standards.
School leaders echoed these sentiments. Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin called the new screening approach “an important commitment” to both safety and accessibility, saying, “With this innovative solution, we can screen for prohibited items quickly without delaying student entry times or pulling students aside. Through this collaboration, our district is creating a safer and welcoming environment where students can prioritize learning, and the community can feel at ease.” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood was also enthusiastic, stating, “This is one more tool we can use to protect lives and give our kids the safe learning environment they deserve”.
From a technical perspective, Gateway is designed specifically for facilities with moderate foot traffic and multiple personal effects. It achieves a careful balance between high-threat detection and a seamless experience for those passing through. By removing the need for intrusive manual bag checks and dealing with fewer false alarms, schools can keep things moving smoothly while maintaining a high standard of vigilance. Importantly, company officials stress that no detection system is absolute. They recommend using Gateway as part of a broader, multilayered approach to security, a stance that reflects both technological humility and practical responsibility.
Xtract One, based in North America, has become known as an innovator in the increasingly competitive security technology marketplace. Their AI-powered systems have gained attention for delivering unobtrusive yet effective weapons detection to schools, hospitals, stadiums, and manufacturing sites. Gateway exemplifies Xtract One’s approach, creating tools that enhance safety without encumbering the people they are designed to protect.
For community stakeholders in Volusia County and beyond, this collaboration represents a significant step in empowering schools to be safer without sacrificing the openness and ease that students, parents, and educators value. As more districts consider the future of campus security, the experiences in Volusia may well shape the direction for other communities seeking that same balance.
