Georgia implements House Bill 147, prioritizing school safety amid rising concerns
by mik olson, campus contingencyIn a significant move towards prioritizing school safety, House Bill 147 mandates that schools annually submit safety plans to the state and conduct active shooter drills by October 1 each year. Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a safety and anti-gang program by the state's Professional Standards Commission, aimed at training teachers and school personnel in enhancing security measures and identifying youth gang members as well as gang recruitment efforts. In response to Governor Kemp's call, lawmakers have allocated $115 million for school safety grants, making $50,000 available to every K-12 school in the state, further emphasizing the commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.
Beginning on July 1 of this year, the new law mandates that Georgia's public schools submit comprehensive safety plans to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA).
James Austin, the passionate assistant superintendent of Twiggs County, is thrilled to share how his district has been actively meeting these requirements for a whole year, forming a strong partnership with GEMA. Their unwavering commitment to safety by the outstanding "A" score they received, after GEMA carefully inspected their facilities in August 2022, has not gone unnoticed. They've made incredible progress over the past year, installing around 20 cameras, reinforcing fences around all schools, and conducting meticulous walkthroughs and perimeter checks. They've also introduced CrisisGo, an amazing digital platform that efficiently manages crisis situations, taking their safety protocols to a whole new level. It's worth noting: the school district's police officers are now equipped with state-of-the-art tactical shields, enhancing the existing security measures.
However, the commitment to bolstering security measures extends far beyond these initial steps. Faculty and staff members have been equipped with badges that can be instantly activated to alert local authorities in the face of threats or emergencies, encompassing everything from medical alerts to critical situations. While this system is currently accessible at the elementary school level, plans are underway to expand its coverage to the entire district in the upcoming fall. These comprehensive upgrades are designed to provide parents, like Flournoy, with an unparalleled sense of peace of mind, reassuring them that their children can attend school with unwavering confidence in their safety.
Georgia's resolute pursuit of school safety is a testament to its commitment to protect and nurture its students. With House Bill 147, the state is making substantial strides in creating secure learning environments. By implementing comprehensive safety plans, fortifying infrastructure, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Georgia aims to ensure that its schools remain safe havens where students can flourish and parents can rest assured that their children are well-protected.
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