Safety Enhancements: Update from 10/29 Work Session

Barrow County School System Chief of Staff Dr. Matt Thompson provided an update on safety enhancement discussions during the Oct. 29, 2024, Board of Education Work Session.

BCSS administrators have been examining potential safety enhancements (such as metal/weapons detectors, clear backpacks, etc.). Each School Governance Team (SGT) reviewed the research and offered feedback during their October meetings. SGTs are made up of teachers, community members, parents, students, and school leaders.

The next focus groups in the feedback process are faculty and staff, the Teacher Advisory Council, and Teachers of the Year. Following those discussions, the community will be asked to complete a survey.

The goal is to review all feedback and have a recommendation for the Board in early 2025.

Additional School Resource Officers
The Barrow County Sheriff's Office is in the process of adding eight School Resource Officers (SRO) for our campuses. An increase in the number of SROs will further enhance our safety efforts and allow for more coverage.

Classroom Phones
The BCSS Information Technology team is adding classroom phones to offer teachers an additional and efficient way to connect with office staff and parents/guardians. Having phones in every classroom expands immediate communication options for staff because it ensures a reliable connection and prevents teachers from having to leave the classroom to make a call. It also allows teachers to quickly and discreetly alert the administration to a concern. High schools will get the phones first.

• Review current BCSS school safety measures. 
• Read the update from the Sept. 24 & Oct. 1 meetings.
  • Watch the full Board Meeting from October 1.
• Watch the update from the Oct. 29 Work Session.