As we all learn more about the events at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX, the more heartbreaking the information becomes. Please rest assured the Fulton County Schools Police and district leaders are laser-focused on the safety and well-being of our students and staff during the remaining days of the school year.
This tragedy serves as a sad reminder why emergency preparedness is necessary. Our Board of Education, for some time, has been investing in security infrastructure and personnel to ensure the district has the resources available for school safety. This includes, but is not limited to, safety gear and response vehicles for our school police officers, door buzzer control systems, and video surveillance cameras inside and outside of every school.
School leaders are trained in emergency response with annual renewals on items such safety protocols, lockdown procedures and police notifications. Every single school has a safety plan in place that has been reviewed. The district regularly audits these plans and works in consultation with experts in the field at the regional and national level. At this link, we are sharing many of the safety measures already in place and those on the horizon.
Schools also become safer by proactively identifying issues before they can escalate. Earlier this spring, Superintendent Looney sought to increase coordination with law enforcement partner and met with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Fulton County Commission Chairman Rob Pitts, as well as city mayors and city police chiefs. These meetings resulted in increased partnership and interagency cooperation. An example of this is the district attorney assigning a prosecutor specifically to address issues that impact at-risk middle and high school students. Police departments also are increasing their communication with the school district.
Parents know their children best and whether they may need additional support during this time. We have these resources available to help parents and teachers talk with children and teens about violence. School Counselors, School Social Workers, and School Psychologists also have been available to speak with children that may be in need of some extra support and will continue to be available tomorrow.
It is difficult to comprehend all that happened yesterday and what may have stopped it from occurring. We may never know. We do know, however, that school safety requires an engaged community that works together and puts our students first. We are thankful for our local partners who have reached out to offer support. Fulton County Schools is coordinating with municipal police departments to complement our existing police force with increased patrols during the last two days of school and at remaining celebrations and graduations.
Thank you for keeping the families in Uvalde, TX, in your hearts.
Original source can be found here.
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