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Board hears safety update: SROs, weapons-detection and new risk-assessment tools
Summary
District staff gave an annual safety briefing that reviewed long-term investments in SROs and weapons detection, and introduced new risk-assessment tools, a centralized SEOP in SchoolDOG, drill logging and an emergency-response trailer.
The Barrow County Board of Education received an annual safety and emergency-preparedness update emphasizing continued investments in school resource officers and technology aimed at preventing and responding to incidents.
Dr. J.B. Bowen told the board the district has expanded layers of safety over the years and is adding new risk-assessment tools for 2026–27. "We are adding some risk assessment tools that John Skinner will go into more detail for you in a few moments," he said, and reviewed the district's timeline of safety work dating back to 2000.
John Skinner, who walked the board through SchoolDOG features, said the district now houses the school emergency operations plan (SEOP) within SchoolDOG "so every revision, every update is all time stamped in the system itself" and emergency partners such as the sheriff and EMA have access to view plans. Skinner also described a new drill mode that documents drills and a training module for staff.
The presentation included a recap of investments this year (access control upgrades, new audio systems for secondary cafeterias and gyms, and an emergency-response trailer stocked with supplies and planned Wi‑Fi hotspots). Bowen thanked the Barrow County Sheriff's Department and SROs for their partnership, referencing the response and recovery work around the Apalachee High School incident.
Board members asked operational questions during the Q&A. One member asked about the number of threat assessments last year; staff estimated "around between 50 and 60 threat assessments total for the school year." The district also described progress on mapping building blueprints and planned facility and equipment checks before the school year.
The superintendent and staff said these measures are intended to ensure staff and students have clear, rehearsed procedures and that the district can share timely information with emergency partners.
