Safety & Security Layers: A Timeline

Security is about layers of safety measures. Here's a glance of some of the measures Barrow County School System has implemented over the years and continues today.

• 2000-Now: School Resource Officers have been working with our schools going back 25 years; however, the partnership with Barrow County Sheriff's Office began in 2010 and has since expanded.
• 2008-Now: Automatic Locking External Doors were first installed in 2008. Door contacts at exterior doors to indicate when doors remain open after a period of time - 2023
• 2013-Now: Surveillance/Security Cameras in schools and buildings started before 2013 and have been upgraded each year.
• 2018-Now: Security Vestibules at schools were first added at Russell Middle and then added to schools during renovation work.
• 2018-Now: Audio Enhancement System serves as intercom and communication support in schools.
• 2018: Our Chief Safety and Security Officer position was created in 2018 to help oversee existing and added measures such as:
  • Regular Safety Audits and Inspections of all buildings
  • Fingerprinting and Background Checks for all staff
  • Volunteer Background Check process
  • Visitor Management System at each school
  • Emergency Operating and Preparedness Plans
  • Safety Drills that include: Routine Fire Drills, Intruder/Lockdown Drills, Severe Weather Drills
• 2021: Health Services Manager position added
  • Automated External Defibrillators in buildings
  • Stop the Bleed Training for all staff
• 2024: School Bus Cameras upgraded to live view to actively monitor situations that may arise. School Buses also have silent alarms and GPS systems. Drivers are trained in CPR and Stop the Bleed life-saving techniques.
• March 2024: Active Shooter Full Scale Exercise at Russell Middle School (18 months to plan; Partnered with Local Emergency Management and Law Enforcement, NEGA Hospital System, Numerous State Agencies including GEMA, Homeland Security)
• Spring 2024: CENTEGIX Crisis Alert System with badges
• April 2024: National Association of School Psychologists PREPaRE (School Safety and Crisis Preparedness) Training for Central Office Staff, Social Workers, Counselors, and School Psychologists
• Sept. 2024: Board of Education approves hiring eight additional School Resource Officers for our campuses
• Oct. 2024: Board of Education approves purchasing classroom phones to enhance reliable, efficient, and discreet communication between teachers and families and/or office staff