BCSS Family,

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith and I are both parents of Barrow County School System students. Just like you, we send our children to school each day, trusting our teams to do all they can to keep them safe.

Our school system, county law enforcement, and emergency services agencies are extremely close and cooperative. Our School Resources Officers (SROs) are vital to each school community, providing a secure environment, reassuring presence, and mentorship.  

We need your help. It’s important our students understand that words matter and what they might see as “funny” or just a prank can hurt and scare people. Those words also have consequences.

We take any threat concerning our schools seriously. Anyone who makes a threat, even if they believe it’s just a joke, will face consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct as well as possibly facing criminal charges. Families, please remind your children not to even “joke” about a threat.

Barrow County School System and the Sheriff’s Office will be vigilant in response to any threatening comments or social media posts.

If you see, know, or hear something suspicious concerning one of our schools, report it to BCSS staff or law enforcement. You can also use our Tip Line. Describe specifically what you observed, including:

• Who or What you saw/heard
• When you saw/heard it
• Where it occurred
• Why it's suspicious

Of course, if it is an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Sheriff Smith and I have also received many questions about school security. You can visit our FAQ site to read more about what measures are currently in place. We are also discussing additional security layers with the Sheriff’s Department, the Board of Education, and state agencies and will keep you updated.

Thank you for your partnership. Together, we will help ensure a safe and nurturing environment for our students and staff.

With gratitude,
Dr. Dallas LeDuff & Sheriff Jud Smith