Schools beef up safety tip system

The Cherokee County School District reported Monday it is adding an expanded system for reporting safety concerns.

The SafeSchools Alert system will allow students, par- ents, school staff and everyone in the community to anonymously report safety concerns by text, email, online message or phone call, according to a news release. This system will replace the previous anonymous tip hotline.

Superintendent of Schools Brian Hightower said expanding the options for making anonymous reports is one of the many important recommendations to come from his Safety and Security Ad Hoc Committee.

“The law enforcement leaders, educators and par- ents who served all agreed this should be a priority, which is why we’re taking this important step today,” he said. “SafeSchools Alert is just o ne of the many enhancements planned as a result of hearing from our community. The security of our students and staff is a top priority, and we need everyone to remember to ‘See Something, Say Something’ to keep us all safe.”

Through Safe Schools Alert, safety concerns can be submitted to CCSD four different ways:

By phone: 1-855-4ALERT1, ext. 1695

By text: Text #1695 + your tip to ALERT1 or 253781 By email: 1695@alert1.us By online message: http://1695.alert1.us

Those experiencing an emergency should continue to call 911. SafeSchools Alert is for reporting information about threats to school safety, bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism or any other safety issue.

CCSD School Police and School Operations administrators are notified of every tip, so they can investigate and take appropriate action. This system is closely monitored, making it much more effective than sending a message to CCSD social media accounts or a CCSD email address, according to school district officials.