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The Barrow County Board of Education (BOE) heard several updates concerning safety enhancements at our schools during their Jan. 28 Work Session.
Weapons Detection Systems at High Schools
The OpenGate Weapons Detection System has been implemented at all three Barrow County School System High Schools. Apalachee High School was the first to receive the devices on Jan. 13. Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy and Winder-Barrow High School received the devices on Jan. 21. All schools had a Digital Learning Day on those days to allow for staff training. Schools report a smooth screening process and an overall positive response from students.
Safety Enhancement Survey Results
BCSS Chief of Staff Dr. Matt Thompson shared the results of the Safety Enhancement Survey open to the community from Dec. 2 through Dec. 13. About 4,280 people completed the survey. You can see the results below and/or watch the presentation here.
Additional School Resource Officers Status
The Barrow County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is actively hiring for the eight additional School Resource Officers the BOE approved in September 2024. As of the Jan. 28 Work Session, three have been hired. BCSO manages the hiring and training of all Barrow County School System School Resource Officers (SRO). It's required that all SROs be post-certified law enforcement officers. Their salaries can vary depending on experience and education. BCSS is grateful for the care and dedication the BCSO commits to finding the incredible and right people for this vital role. These officers engage with students and serve as both protectors and mentors. They play a crucial role in creating a positive environment for students, staff, and visitors of our schools.
Barrow Community Foundation Grants to BCSS / AHS
Dr. Thompson reviewed the grants awarded to BCSS and AHS. The money has helped to fund many staff-requested items such as rubber bumpers for the weight room to avoid alarming sounds when the weights hit the floor, furniture for the counseling waiting area, a full-time therapy dog, and mental health therapists. See the full list here.
New Positions to Support Mental Health and Recovery
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Adam Kurtz updated the BOE about two new positions that will help support mental health needs and recovery planning for AHS. The intent is to fund the salaries of the Employee Assistance Program clinician and Recovery Coordinator through the federal Antiterrorism and Emergency Assistance Program (AEAP) grant.
Other Related Items from the Work Session:
- Increase in fees related to Foothills services for students who did not feel comfortable returning to school after Sept. 4.
- Learning Pod update at AHS. (See FAQ about the Pods here.)
- Watch the entire Work Session here.