Following the tragic school shooting that occurred at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, many online have expressed concerns about school safety measures in Henry County. The district’s newly-appointed Superintendent Dr. John Pace III shared a video message on school safety ahead of the district’s fall break.
Henry County Schools is on fall break from September 16 to 20. Students will return on Monday, September 23.
Superintendent School Safety Message
Superintendent Pace officially began his post as Henry County Schools’ top leader on September 3. In his first video message shared on Friday, September 13, he touched on the school safety measures in Henry County Schools:
Dr. Pace began by sharing the safety and security of the district’s 43,000 students and approximately 6,000 employees is a top priority. He touched on the three areas of the district’s safety plan. They are the following:
- Campus Security Investments,
- Student & Staff Safety, and
- Conduct Expectations.
Since 2018, Henry County Schools has invested $30 million dollars into campus security. These investments include the following:
- more than 40 school resource officers in partnership with Henry County Police Department,
- campus safety monitors for all schools,
- single-point of entry, a visitor check-in system and secure access and buzzer system at all schools,
- door ajar alarms to alert if a door is left open, and all external doors remain locked during the day,
- campus alert system providing staff members with badges and a button alert system,
- cameras in all schools and school buses, and
- weapon detection systems at high school stadiums and clear bag requirements for large public events.
The district has an anonymous text tip line at (770) 220-7009. Students and parents can report threats, bullying or suspicious activity. See something? Say something.
Superintendent Pace shared the district will continue the discussion about school safety through upcoming cluster conversations and other events. More information about the district’s safety measures is available on the district website.
Featured image shows Dr. John Pace III. Henry County Schools image.
