In light of the growing emphasis on school safety, Georgia is making significant progress in strengthening safety in its K-12 schools. The state is committed to implementing comprehensive safety plans, increased funding, and advanced technology solutions to ensure the well-being of students and staff.
Investing in School Safety
Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp recently presented recommendations for the AFY 2023 and FY 2024 budgets. These include notable proposals to improve school safety and education. A additional $745 million in AFY 2023 and more than $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2024 will go to K-12 education, fully funding the basic education formula of quality.
Directly related to safety, $115 million in AFY 2023 will be allocated for $50,000 school safety grants to every K-12 school in the state. Additionally, $26.9 million will be dedicated to increased funding for school counselors to help improve the emotional and mental well-being of students.
The Georgia Schools Safety Plans Act requires all public schools to develop a safety plan. This is a proactive measure to “help curb the growth incidence of violence in schools, to respond effectively to such incidents and to provide a safe learning environment for children, teachers and other school personnel in Georgia.
These school safety plans are inclusive, requiring input and engagement from students, parents, and public safety agencies. The plans address a wide range of concerns, including natural disasters, hazardous materials, transportation issues, weapons, and potential terrorist activity. Strategic areas include training school staff on violence prevention and school safety, evaluating and improving school safety measures, updating and practicing emergency preparedness plans. emergency in schools, strengthening partnerships with public safety officials, and creating enhanced crisis communication plans and social media strategies.
Implement technology for security
Selecting the appropriate technology for a school’s security system is imperative for a successful and consistent implementation. Ideal solutions are flexible, scalable, and able to adapt to any emergency while aligning with a school’s particular security plan. light boxa Georgia-based educational technology company, provides solutions that enhance teaching and learning while enhancing emergency alert and response systems.
FrontRow by Boxlight offers complete communications solutions for schools or districts, including bells, intercom, paging, device management, and alerts, all managed through Front Row Driver. In situations where every second counts, emergency notifications can be sent quickly via the Stock! teacher’s microphonea FrontRow control panel installed on a wall, a mobile device or via Boxlight Mimio or Clevertouch® interactive screens.
Award-winning boxlight Attention! facilitates simultaneous audio and display alerts, ensuring that all students and staff have equal access to critical notifications. By integrating seamlessly with Boxlight’s Mimio or Clevertouch displays, Attention! has the ability to present vital information on screens across the school, potentially aiding in lifesaving measures.
A collective effort
School safety is a shared responsibility; it is crucial that educators, parents, community members, education stakeholders and leaders collectively support these efforts. Georgia is actively working towards a secure future for its students through impactful investment, innovation, and action. In this collective effort, let us unite our efforts and inspire positive action to create safe and thriving learning environments. Together, we can shape a better future for every student, enabling them to reach their full potential and build a world filled with endless possibilities.