$16 million available for school safety improvements
State School Superintendent Richard Woods provided detailed information to school districts today regarding $16 million in bond funding available to help schools enhance student safety.
The funding was appropriated by the Georgia General Assembly this year. Every local school district will receive a base amount of $25,000, and the remaining $11.5 million will be allocated based on the amount of students enrolled in each district.
State law requires districts to use the funding for improvements or refurbishments to a district’s physical footprint (for example, fencing or security doors) and/or equipment which can be capitalized (for example, security camera systems).
This effort is part of a broader, comprehensive approach to school safety that includes deep conversations around school climate and culture, statewide partnerships with organizations like the Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency, the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Middle District of Georgia.
“It’s our absolute first priority at the state level to make sure students have a safe, secure place to learn,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “School leaders in Georgia, in partnership with law enforcement and emergency management agencies, are doing great work to keep students safe, and I know these funds will help them go even further to improve school security. I deeply appreciate the leadership of the Georgia General Assembly on this issue and will continue to work with them to address this issue in a comprehensive way.”
Calhoun City Schools will receive a total of $51,815, while Gordon County Schools will receive $68,671.
This National Get Outdoors Day, invigorate your senses and explore the 3,000 acres of outdoor beauty at Georgia’s Barnsley Resort with a specialty outdoors Geocaching Competition.
The Northwest Georgia resort is encouraging guests and locals alike to spend some time in the sunshine and get a little dirt on their boots with a geocaching competition that takes them on a journey throughout the Barnsley Barnyard, hiking trails, golf course, historic gardens, Manor House Ruins, picturesque ponds and more.
On June 9, locals are invited to find and record a secret code found at each cache location, found by using GPS devices or apps available for smartphones. Each participant who completes their card will receive a token to redeem at the resort’s outdoor Beer Garden, as well as be entered into a drawing to win a gift certificate for a future stay at the new 55-rom Inn.
The complimentary event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The winner will be announced at 6:30 p.m. in the Beer Garden and must be present to win.
For more information, visit https:// www.barnsleyresort.com/