Schools Increase Security After Apalachee HS Shooting

File photoPhoto byJerry Neace/NowHabersham.com

In light of the school shooting Wednesday morning at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Winder, Georgia, area schools have increased security presence on campuses.

Superintendent Dr. Ann Hopkins of Banks County School System said, “Amidst the tragic event in Barrow County, the Sheriff’s Office proactively increased our already vigilant law enforcement presence at all schools as a precaution. We are extremely thankful for our relationship with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office and their support and commitment to our safety. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Apalachee High School community.”

Hopkins sent out a message to parents, which stated, “We have been in contact with our Sheriff’s Office, and we are aware of a situation at Apalachee High School in Barrow County involving a shooter. We do not know many details at this time. Our students and faculty are safe. We have an increased police presence as a precaution. Please keep the Apalachee High School community in your thoughts and prayers.”

MORE At least 2 dead, 4 injured in Apalachee High School shooting

The Director of School Safety/Chief of Police for Habersham County Schools, Murray Kogod, released this statement to NowHabersham, “To reassure our school community, I will be sharing a comprehensive summary of safety initiatives we are implementing here in Habersham County schools. At this time, all of our SROs are on high alert and are maintaining high visibility at their schools. Additionally, in an overabundance of caution, we are working with our Sheriff’s office and our city police department partners to have an enhanced law enforcement presence at all of our schools.”

Superintendent Matthew Cooper of Habersham County said, “First, I ask that we all pray for those affected by this tragic incident that occurred in Barrow County today. As a school superintendent, I understand that a tragedy like the one that happened today can cause fear and anxiety. I chose to eat lunch in the cafeteria at Habersham Central this afternoon and found a campus that was well-secured and found students who were calm and happy.

When I arrived I saw an increased law enforcement presence provided by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office. This was in addition to the police department we have already established on the campus of Habersham Central. Our parents should know that here in Habersham County, we are fortunate to have many resources and safety initiatives that keep our students safe while they are at school. In an effort to inform and reassure our community, our School Safety Director is currently working on a summary of the multiple safety initiatives we have in place. This summary will be released to the media, shared on our system website, and shared at our board meeting this month.”

From Dr. Connie Franklin, Superintendent of Stephens County High School, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barrow County community. We are following the developing story of the shooting at Apalachee High School with heightened awareness. With support from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, additional officers are patrolling our schools as an extra precaution. The safety of our students and employees is and always will be our top priority.”

Dr. Jonathan Stribling, Assistant Superintendent for White County Schools said, “The White County School System is aware of the tragedy that has occurred at a high school in Barrow County. Please know that our students’ safety is our top priority. I have been in touch with White County Sheriff Rick Kelly and school administrators. Heightened awareness and vigilance are evident throughout the school system. Please join us in keeping all involved in our thoughts and prayers.”

Now Habersham continues to monitor this developing story and will continue to provide updates as information is released.