(The Center Square) – Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns ended speculation on whether lawmakers would consider a school safety database.
The proposed database, which would be operated by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, is part of a package announced by Burns on Monday.
Schools would be required to participate by collecting and evaluating data that would be used to determine which students could be a threat to schools, Burns said. He did not indicate the price tag in his package but said funding would be needed.
“Last year, our state witnessed an unimaginable tragedy at Apalachee High School when four Georgians were lost at the hands of an individual whose intent was to carry out a despicable act of evil,” Burns said. “The Georgia House is committed to taking strong action to ensure no parent, student or teacher ever has to fear for their safety when they drop their children off at school, go to class or go to work. This school safety plan is a comprehensive approach to securing our school buildings, prioritizing the mental health of our children and keeping Georgia’s students safe.”
Two teachers and two students died in the shooting at the Barrow County school. A student and his father are facing charges in connection with the shooting.
The package also includes a mandatory suspension for students who make a threat until they are cleared by law enforcement and personnel to return to school. Schools would have to establish an anonymous reporting app for tips.
Every school system would be required to have threat assessment teams, according to Burns’ proposal. The teams would include school administration, mental health and law enforcement officials. New mental health coordinators are also part of the package.
Burns also included $50 million in school safety grants announced by Gov. Brian Kemp.
A Democratic lawmaker is holding a news conference with family members from Apalachee High School on Tuesday. A student from the school is expected to speak at the event organized by Rep. Michelle Au, D-Johns Creek.
By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square
