In the wake of a school shooting that killed four people and injured nine others at the Apalachee High School in Barrow County followed by a week of investigated shooting threats at others schools throughout the state, the Washington County Public School District is reassuring the community of the safety measures in place to prevent such an event in Washington County.
In a letter to parents and guardians on Sunday night, Washington County Public Schools Superintendent Vickie Harden penned her commitment in prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
“We are committed to providing a secure environment where our children can learn and thrive and where our teachers and staff may work and serve with confidence,” said Superintendent Harden. “Remember, your partnership is vital in helping us maintain a safe and nurturing environment for our students and employees.”
She also mentioned the rash of unsubstantiated threats to schools across the state, providing an update on the status of local educational institutions.
“Social media has become a significant platform for discussing school-related safety and rumors that circulate there are inevitable, including a number of online threats posted there this past week,” said the Superintendent. “If you or your child see or hear anything – no matter how large or small – that could be a safety concern, please do not hesitate to notify a school official.”
Vickie Harden stated that the Washington County School District has not received a substantiated threat to any school, emphasizing that school leaders are working with local law enforcement to monitor all online platforms for potential risks.
“We take every report of safety concerns very seriously and investigate them promptly and thoroughly with the support of law enforcement,” Superintendent Harden said. “Please understand that school-related threats of any kind will not be tolerated and students who choose to make such a threat will face the full range of disciplinary consequences available.”
According to Harden, out of an abundance of caution, parents and guardians will recognize a noticeable increase in the presence in local law officers on school campuses this week.
On Friday, September 6, the Superintendent previously wrote to the community to discuss the practices procedures in place for active shooter emergencies.
“We routinely conduct numerous drills throughout the school year to assess our readiness level and sharpen our processes. Safety drills enable us to provide our students, staff, and community with the resources and tools to respond effectively to potentially dangerous situations.”
She also wrote about the upcoming district-wide plans to further prepare for emergency situations, explaining that in addition to local practices, the state mandates that every school district annually conduct an intruder drill by October 1.
According to Superintendent Harden, planning for this year’s drill took place on July 30 [prior to the incident at the Apalachee High School] and the drill is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18.
She stated that there is no reason for local alarm, but emphasized the need for procedural practice to assist in ensuring the safety of all students and staff.
On Wednesday, September 4, a 14-year-old student opened gunfire at his school in Winder with an AR-platform weapon killing two 14-year-old students – Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo – and two teachers – Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie.
Eight additional students and one teacher were also hospitalized via injures sustained in the mass shooting. All are recovering and expected to survive.
When confronted by an armed school resource officer, the gunman surrendered without further incident and was taken into police custody. He was charged with murder and will be tried as an adult. His father has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder by “providing a firearm to Colt Gray with knowledge that he was threat to himself and others.”
According to Barrow County School Superintendent Dr. Dallas LeDuff, the Apalachee High School will begin a phased reopening next Tuesday. From September 24 through October 4, students will attend school for half days to help them ease back into the routine at a comfortable pace.