We were all shaken this week by the news of yet another mass killing in a school — this time, not too far from home. Our hearts break for Apalachee High School and the Barrow County community. This senseless act reminds us that we must all maintain the proper perspective on managing school safety and security.
The core business of public schools is helping students grow so that they can achieve their goals. Before learning can occur, safe and supportive learning environments must be established. We invest heavily in physical safety and security for students and staff. The wide-ranging effects of an act of violence are severe, but they are not the only hazard that must be considered. Our schools’ emergency operations plans also address natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents and accidents. Each emergency plan must include prevention, mitigation, preparedness and recovery steps in addition to responding to potential hazards.
While emergency response is crucial, we strive to avoid hazardous situations when possible. Under the leadership of a dedicated safety director, the district safety team works closely with our school safety specialist and school resource officers (SROs) assigned by the sheriff’s office. All schools have an administrator who serves as the campus safety coordinator. In addition to redelivering content discussed in monthly district safety meetings, school coordinators conduct drills and exercises to ensure all employees are familiar with emergency plan responsibilities.
Many adults remember fire drills and the occasional tornado drill from our time in school. Today, students and staff participate in multiple intruder drills along with required earthquake and cardiac emergency drills. Drills and exercises are essential because they allow us to learn skills through controlled experiences. Just like reading a book about playing baseball isn’t enough to make you a proficient player, reading the emergency plan is not enough to prepare us for emergency prevention and response. We need the experience of physically going through the drills and exercises so that everyone is ready.
Although the human element is the most critical part of any security plan, many facilities, systems and process improvements help enhance the safety of our campuses. Beginning with new construction and renovations, facilities are designed according to the latest building and safety codes. Public safety and emergency management officials review our building plans, making recommendations from their unique perspectives. Some of our facility improvements include security vestibules, electronic access controls, electronic door sensors, digital security cameras and multi-tiered emergency communications systems, with new improvements constantly being made.
School safety requires a modular approach to be effective. No single system, device or process can guarantee a school’s safety. It takes a culture of safety, continuous improvement efforts and resource investment to address each building’s unique challenges.
We are committed to continuously enhancing and adapting our safety and security plans to address all possibilities. We are grateful that Gov. Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly approved the inclusion of a permanent line item for school security in the state budget. These funds will go a long way toward sustaining and improving school safety.
We mourn the horrific loss of life and the shattered peace at Apalachee High School. This week’s events remind us that emergencies can happen anywhere. While we must continuously enhance and adapt our safety and security plans to address all possibilities, we must maintain sight of a school’s purpose. At the same time, we cannot live in a state of hyper-vigilance that makes the learning environment seem like a prison. Preparing and adapting to situations helps us maintain balance and promotes safe and engaging learning environments for our students and staff.
Mike Ewton is superintendent of Whitfield County Schools.