The Barrow County School System is continuing to work to enhance and refine school safety and comply with new and existing state laws.

A presentation during the July 29 Board of Education Work Session reviewed safety enhancements and layers implemented over the years and provided an update on changes and refinements made since the last school year.

The presentation also highlighted the impact, both now and in future years, of newly passed safety legislation, including House Bill 268, and where BCSS is in the process of implementing the new measures.

HB268 Components: 

• Changes to Georgia law to speed up transfer of critical student records and key information between schools, law enforcement, and other agencies
• Requirements for mobile panic alert systems, 24/7 monitored tip lines, and integrated mapping software (Ricky and Alyssa’s Law)
• Supports and required trainings in mental health, violence prevention, and suicide prevention for students and staff
• Changes to safety plans and an emphasis on Behavioral Threat Assessment Management (BTAM)
• Increased penalties in the juvenile code for serious threats
• Student Advocate Position
• Law enforcement communications to schools on "official encounters“
• Possible statewide alert system (subject to future appropriations)

The requirements of HB268 phase in at different points in the next year and a half.

Here’s a timeline of where BCSS stands with implementation (click image to enlarge):

WATCH THE PRESENTATION