The White County Board of Education is implementing a new crisis alert system, Centegix, to enhance safety and security measures across its six schools. The decision, announced Monday night, follows the board’s July 29, 2022, vote to hire two additional School Resource Officers, ensuring an officer presence in each school.
The Centegix system provides every staff member with a badge equipped with a button that can be used to call for help in various situations. If the button is pushed a specific number of times, it can automatically lock down the school and contact 9-1-1 dispatch.
“Not only does this new system send out an alert for help it also provides the exact location of where that staff member is,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett, emphasizing the system’s precision in responding to emergencies.
The system, which is used at Apalachee High School in Winder, was widely credited with saving lives by prompting a quick law enforcement response after a 14-year-old student opened fire inside the school on Sept. 4.
White County Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Stribling said the implementation of Centegix will begin immediately. However, he said it would take a while to get every aspect of the system operational. The school system hopes to have the alert system fully working by the first of next year.
