
Apalachee High School has installed OpenGate Weapons Detection Systems to enhance campus safety after a shooting on September 4, 2024, that killed four people. Following another firearm incident, the school is now requiring students and visitors to pass through these detection portals starting on Tuesday, as mentioned by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The Barrow County School System is addressing security concerns after a recent breach. Parent Ivia Carter told, "It should not have taken another child to bring a gun into the school for them to actually take action." New security measures are being introduced at several schools, with a $700,000 budget approved for upgrades. Students are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to adjust to the new system, which aims to better detect dangerous items, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Concerns about security at portable classrooms in Barrow County have emerged, as students walk outside to reach the pods without security measures in place. One community member expressed, "They feel like they don’t have any protection because they have to walk outside to the pods, and there’s no security there." Meanwhile, neighboring Gwinnett County has implemented transparent bookbags as a safety measure. The Barrow County School Board continues to prioritize student safety, with the chair stating, "Our goal is to protect students, and we will continue working with parents to improve safety measures," according to 13WMAZ and FOX 5 Atlanta.