Tuesday, September 17, 2024–11:14 a.m.
-Rachel Hartdegen, Rome News-Tribune-
This story is possible because of a news-sharing agreement with the Rome News-Tribune. More information can be found at northwestgeorgianews.com
In light of recent school threats, Floyd County Schools will hire additional school resource officers, increase security measures in schools, and raise the pay for officers working in the school system.
“We will be at a level of security that we’ve never had before,” Superintendent Glenn White said at the school board’s Monday meeting.
Threats against schools spiked in Georgia following a school shooting at Barrow County’s Apalachee High School on Sept. 4. Locally, superintendents have worked alongside law enforcement to investigate numerous threats.
The school resource officers the school system plans to hire will be trained through the county police department in a program specifically for SROs. The new officers will finish their training and start working in schools in October.
Due to safety concerns, the school system will not release details on the number of SROs being added to the schools, White said.
Between now and October, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office deputies and off-duty county police officers will be at schools across the system, White said.
As part of the updated security measures, the board discussed installing alert systems for schools similar to the system used by teachers at Apalachee High School on Sept. 4.
“We are taking all measures we can to ensure our students are safe,” FCS board chair Melinda Strickland said.
Earlier on Monday, state Superintendent Richard Woods advised schools across Georgia to develop a clear safety plan and collaborate with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff.
“As we reflect on the tragedy at Apalachee High School, it is crucial that we redouble our efforts to secure our schools and protect every student in our state,” Woods stated in a press release.
Many schools have updated their safety plans, including Rome City Schools, which added an SRO for Rome High and Middle schools beginning Monday.
Since Sept. 5, Floyd County Schools has had around 15 reports of threats that have been referred to law enforcement, Deputy Superintendent Jamey Alcorn said.
Lately, there has been a decrease in threats, with none reported on Friday, he noted.