Apalachee HS shooting victim's brother demands better security in Barrow County schools
Barrow County school leaders talk safety
Barrow County school leaders held a meeting with the community to address the recent safety upgrades in the wake of Georgia's deadliest school shooting at Apalachee High School.
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - It's been five months since the mass shooting at Apalachee High School and parents continue to push for stronger safety measures.
Why you should care:
"Since Sept. 4, my family and I have been living in a nightmare," said Ismel Angulo Jr.
Angulo's little brother, Christian, was killed in the shooting at Apalachee High School.
Investigators say 14-year-old Colt Gray walked into the school with a gun and opened fire. Two students and two teachers were killed. Nine others were injured.
On Tuesday night, Angulo, along with other students and parents, stood before the Barrow County School Board to demand school leaders do more to protect the students.
"Life has become so difficult without him, a huge piece of us is missing and will always be missing," said Angulo.
Parents and students have continued to push for more safety measures.
RELATED: Apalachee High School students demand action for school safety at State Capitol
"I have no idea why we're not throwing every single thing we have at this until every single kid feels safe," said Steve Gray.
"I'm deeply concerned for my child's safety," said Jessica Bankston.
What we know:
Since the shooting, telephones have been added to each classroom. The board approved hiring eight more school resource officers. Three of them are currently in place.
Last month, weapons detection systems were put in the high schools.
RELATED: Apalachee High School installs weapons detection systems following tragic shooting
What's next:
Now, the middle school will be getting weapons detections systems.
"With the high school scanning in place, we would now like to add middle schools," said Dr. James Bowen with Barrow County Schools.
RELATED: Students charged with felonies for threats made after Georgia school shooting, police say
The district says this is just the latest layer of security. Families hope there's much more to come.
"You can't bring my brother back, but you sure can do the necessary steps to make sure this doesn't happen again," said Angulo.
The Source: FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Denise Dillon attended the Barrow County School Board meeting on Feb. 4, 2025.