Stephens County School System recently adopted enhanced security measures in response to the Sept. 4 shooting at Apalachee High School that left four dead and nine injured.
The proposal, approved by the Stephens County Board of Education earlier this month, includes more than $329,000 in new resources for public schools across the county.
More than a dozen weapons detectors ($288,722), five metal detectors ($23,935) and an additional police detection canine ($16,947) are among the new purchases intended to protect students across all grade levels. The new items, funded through the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, are expected to be installed by November. Funding for the detection canine, handled and transported by School Resource Officer Paul Kent, comes from the school system’s general operating budget.
“We were already having conversations about the possibility of installing metal detectors or a weapon detection system as part of our safety plan,” Superintendent Connie Franklin said. “After the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County earlier this month, we felt this additional safety measure needed to be moved up on the timeline.”
Franklin went on to call the new measures another layer of protection for students and employees that “help provide some additional reassurance for our parents and guardians as well.”
Weapons detectors vs. metal detectors
There is a difference between weapons detectors and metal detectors, Deputy Superintendent John Stith explained.
“Metal detectors will expose metallic objects, and they typically have a limited weapon detection range,” he said. “A weapon detection system uses advanced digital software to expose a broader range of both metallic and non-metallic threats. The system we are purchasing is…(a) wireless, portable and lightweight system that can be easily installed and moved to other locations, such as athletic events, easily.”
Franklin stressed that while “it’s unfortunate” weapons/metal detection systems have to be installed, she believes students and employees will swiftly adapt to the new measures.
“…it’s common in large public places like airports, concerts and professional sports stadiums to go through these detectors or see a K-9 patrolling,” she said. “They’ve become a necessity for increased safety, and we want to create a safe environment for our students to learn and grow.”
Neighboring schools
While Stephens and a number of other school systems in North Georgia have implemented additional security systems since the tragedy in Apalachee, Habersham County school officials say they’re still exploring the issue.
“We are constantly reviewing safety measures currently in place and considering new initiatives that will further enhance the safety of our schools,” Habersham Central Principal Adam Bagwell said late last week. “Our School System Safety Director, Murray Kogod, and I work closely with one another on a daily basis to ensure the safety and security of HCHS.”
