The Barrow County Board of Education voted Thursday to authorize the immediate purchase of a weapons detection system for the three high schools in the district.
The board approved up to $700,000 for the system which is to be installed at the county’s three high schools starting as early as next week.
“Our priority is to protect the wellbeing and safety of our students,” said board chair Lisa Maloo. “We know there is more work to do, and we’re committed to continuing the conversation with our community and safety experts to make our schools safe spaces where learning can thrive.”
Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff added, “We have carefully and thoughtfully evaluated different measures to enhance safety and security in our schools, and we are grateful for the Board’s support in the immediate purchase of weapons detection systems in our high schools. Safety requires multiple layers of protection, and these enhancements will help make our schools more secure.”
The board has been under pressure from the public to enhance school safety in the district since two teachers and two students were killed in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School last September.
Earlier this this week a student was found with a pistol at Apalachee. 14-year-old found with gun at Apalachee High School; calls for more safety measures at the school