Barrow County community voices support for extra safety measures in schools
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - The Barrow County Board of Education discussed newly adopted school safety measures and student resources at a meeting on Tuesday. Weapon detectors were recently installed at Apalachee High School after a student was found with a gun on campus. This all followed a mass shooting in September.
What we know:
OpenGate weapons detection systems were recently installed at all Barrow County High Schools. Anyone that enters the buildings must go through them and could be subject to additional searches.
The results of a recent community survey were also shared where nearly 4300 staff, parents, and students weighed in on possible future campus safety improvements.
Increased security personnel, additional mental health services and adjustments to student ID badges received the most overall support from survey respondents.
What they're saying:
"Our schools are already able to scan all their students and all their bags in under 30 minutes, each school day. Each device requires about three people to operate and manage, so we have approximately 20 staff members at each school actively working each morning," said Assistant Superintendent of Support Services James Bowen.
Officials reviewed other changes they believe helped students following the mass shooting in September, including new seating for the counseling waiting area, rubber guards for gym equipment to prevent upsetting noises, and "Beau" the therapy dog.
"We were fortunate that an outside organization fundraised over $20,000 for us to pay for a full-time therapy dog for Apalachee high school," said Dr. Matt Thompson, an official with the district.
The other side:
Meanwhile, some community members want to see more action.
RELATED: Parents, students demand more safety measures after Apalachee High School shooting
"I’m just hoping that change is still going to be in effect. We still need more safety measures for our students," said Layla Renee Contreras.
The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Brittany Edney.