Superintendent's Safety Message Thomas Lambeth, Jr. Chairman, Board of Education James G. Merrill, Ed. Schools sometimes experience a second wave of incidents as a result of national events, and our school personnel and law enforcement are alert and following through on any reports or rumors of potentially violent acts. Making schools safe is a challenge we take very seriously because while our top priority is academic achievement, we know that teachers and students must be safe. Good planning is essential to a safe environment.
All schools have extensive safety plans, reviewed and revised regularly by educators and parents.
Last year, with training from the state's Center for the Prevention of School Violence, we thoroughly assessed every school's facilities and climate. Results were incorporated in school plans, and problem areas are being addressed. Building security is important day and night. We limit outside entrances, enforce strict visitor procedures, and provide two-way communication between almost all classrooms and offices. During nonschool hours, all entrances are securely locked, and most schools have burglar alarm systems.