Savannah Schools Enhance Safety Measures After Shooting

Enhanced security measures being implemented in Savannah-Chatham County schools.

News Summary

In response to last year’s tragic shooting at Apalachee High School, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is implementing new safety measures. With classes resuming in August, district leaders are focusing on student and staff protection by enhancing technology and communication systems. Key upgrades include the SAFE system for emergency alerts and improved police communication tools. This initiative comes alongside significant state funding to boost overall school safety, reinforcing the commitment to creating secure learning environments for all.

Savannah, Georgia – In response to the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School last year, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is preparing to implement a series of new safety measures as the school year approaches. With classes set to resume in early August, district leaders are prioritizing student and staff protection by enhancing technology and communication systems across the schools.

Nearly a year has passed since the Apalachee High School shooting, which sparked legislative action at the state level. Earlier this year, Georgia lawmakers passed House Bill 268, which requires schools to establish emergency alert systems and maintain detailed maps to assist emergency responders in crisis situations. As part of complying with these new state mandates, SCCPSS officials are working diligently to ensure that all schools meet the enhanced safety standards.

A significant feature of the upcoming upgrades is the implementation of the SAFE (Signal Alert for Education) system, which will allow teachers wearing a microphone to discreetly call for help in emergencies. The audio enhancement emergency duress tool is expected to be installed in all schools by July 2026. This initiative is funded through a $4.7 million budget transfer that the school board approved in July, aimed at improving intercom systems, classroom communication, and audio-visual technology on campus.

The school board has also allocated $618,000 towards upgrading police communication systems, which includes replacing outdated police radios and mobile data terminals. These enhancements are designed to improve communication between school safety officers and local emergency services, allowing for quicker response times during incidents. Officers will now receive dispatches directly through their mobile data terminals (MDTs), ensuring they have access to crucial real-time information.

Phased Implementation of Safety Measures

SCCPSS’s safety measures are being implemented in phases, with specific schools receiving the final phase of audio enhancements. Schools benefiting from these upgrades include Southwest Elementary School, Southwest Middle School, West Chatham Elementary and Middle Schools, Stem Academy at Bartlett, SCELA, and several others. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that all campuses are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

Additional Safety Funding and Legislative Updates

In addition to the direct measures taken by SCCPSS, Governor Brian Kemp has allocated $294 million in school safety grants over the past year, further emphasizing the state’s commitment to improving school security. This funding is part of a broader strategy to enhance school safety in light of recent events.

The school board has also approved a $450,000 annual contract renewal for Axis IP Security Cameras and associated hardware and software, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing investment in security infrastructure. Local school boards are now required, under House Bill 268, to implement anonymous reporting programs if they have not already been established. The legislation also introduced new offenses related to threats against schools, with designations such as “terroristic threats of a school” and “terroristic acts upon a school.”

A Focus on Comprehensive Safety Strategies

The legislative updates and school district improvements underline the importance of creating safe environments for students and staff. As students prepare to return to the classroom, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is committed to enhancing security measures to promote a safe learning environment.