Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Board reviews weapons data and state grant to buy elementary school detectors
Loading...
Summary
Safety staff reported an increase in documented fights and weapons on school grounds and told the board the district will use a $1.47 million state school security grant plus other grant funds to buy weapon‑detection devices for elementary schools; staff said training and monthly financial reporting will accompany implementation.
Chief Walker, director of the district’s Department of Safety and Security, told the Clayton County Board of Education that the district documented 161 fights during the first semester (July–December), an 11% increase from the prior year, and recorded 16 weapons on school grounds in that period: two firearms, two tasers and 12 knives or pocket knives, most carried by middle and elementary students.
“We had a total of 16 weapons on school grounds the first semester of this school year as opposed to 10 last school year,” Chief Walker said, noting that not all incidents resulted in charges but that the district documents and investigates each event.
Walker described several proactive initiatives: increased random weapons checks, safety walkthroughs with the emergency preparedness team, a reunification exercise program and a ‘Stop the Prop’ campaign to discourage propping exterior doors. He also described pilot testing for vape‑detection systems at several schools.
Board members asked whether detectors and other devices were functional and how staff would be trained. Chief Walker said most weapon‑detection devices were operational and that the safety team can provide training; he invited board members to see a demonstration device after the meeting.
Finance staff later presented budget amendments that include a $1,471,180 award to establish the original budget for a state school security grant. Ramona Bivens said the funds are intended to buy weapon detection devices for elementary schools, and she said the district is using a combination of two grants to cover initial costs so the district can “get ahead” of possible state legislation on weapon detection.
“We’re trying to get ahead of House Bill 1023,” Chief Walker said, explaining the rationale for purchasing devices before prices potentially rise. Board members asked about rollout timing; Walker said orders typically arrive 30–45 days after purchase orders are issued and that principals and staff would receive training.
The board discussed oversight and monthly financial reporting for the arena operator and grants; staff said TRP and contracted operators will submit monthly financials to the district’s finance office.
Board members pressed for clarity about which positions and locations would receive devices and asked for continued reporting on outcomes and deployment schedules.
