Peach Tree Times

State Representative Holt Persinger from Winder will be sponsoring a school safety plan, which is considered a legislative priority by House Speaker Jon Burns from Newington. The proposed plan aims to improve school security through several measures, including mandatory statewide participation in a student information-sharing and safety database, the implementation of threat assessment teams in schools, and the use of an anonymous reporting app that meets specific standards. Additionally, it seeks to address physical security infrastructure needs and increase penalties for making terroristic threats.

"I am honored to sponsor this critical school safety plan, which will help ensure our students and educators have the secure learning environments they deserve," stated Rep. Persinger. He further emphasized the importance of ensuring no student faces uncertainty about their safety at school, referencing a tragic event at Apalachee High School in Barrow County as motivation for his dedication to preventing such incidents across Georgia.

Speaker Jon Burns also commented on the initiative: "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." He affirmed the Georgia House's commitment to strong action so that no parent, student, or teacher has to fear for their safety at school.

The school safety plan includes several key components:

- **School and Student Safety Database (S3):** Schools will be required to participate in this statewide database operated by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. It will collect data to evaluate potential threats while maintaining high standards of student information privacy.

- **Threat Assessment Teams:** Each local school system must implement these teams comprising school administration, mental health professionals, and law enforcement personnel.

- **Anonymous Reporting App:** Schools must use an app that allows tips to be evaluated quickly and efficiently by law enforcement and necessary personnel.

- **School Safety Funding:** An additional $50 million will be provided for one-time grants for public schools across the state along with funding for developing the S3 Database.

- **Student Mental Health Resources:** Qualified mental health coordinator positions will be created to identify and intervene with students at risk of mental health concerns. Students will also receive instruction in violence prevention and suicide awareness.

- **Increased Penalties for Terroristic Threats:** Mandatory suspension is implemented for students who make threats until cleared by law enforcement and school personnel.

This comprehensive approach aims not only to secure physical buildings but also prioritize mental health resources for students across Georgia.