Ringgold board hears update on proposed state requirement to notify parents if weapons are found on campus

Ringgold School District officials told the board about a proposed state legislative requirement that would require school districts to notify parents quickly when a weapon is discovered on school property.

The board was advised that the measure passed one chamber and remains under consideration in the other. According to the discussion, legislators intended parents to receive rapid information confirming that a weapon had been found, that the situation had been addressed and that students were safe. District staff said they would use existing parent-notification mechanisms to meet the requirement and planned to publish guidance to families next week.

District representatives did not offer the bill number during the meeting; board members said they expect the measure to require a formal change in how schools notify parents after safety incidents. The board member presenting the update said there would be two items in the news release to be shared next week.

No formal vote or policy change was taken at the meeting; the board received the update and staff said they would prepare a public notice when the district finalizes its notification procedure.