Several metro Atlanta school districts and local law enforcement agencies outlined their security measures after Tuesday’s shooting at a Texas elementary school.
Marietta police placed additional officers on all school campuses Wednesday. The department will also have a heavier police presence at graduation and award ceremonies. Additionally, school district officials planned extra efforts to secure exterior doors and monitor visitors.
“While we have had no concerns or threats specific to MCS, our hope is these measures allow us to be responsive and to be mindful of the emotions resulting from yesterday’s tragedy,” school district officials said in a statement. The district’s last day of school is Thursday.
Gwinnett County police said they were conducting extra patrols Wednesday — the final day of classes in the county school district — to provide a high visibility presence at all schools.
“While there are no known threats to any school in Gwinnett, our officers will be on hand for the safety and comfort of our residents,” the police department said in a statement.
Gwinnett is Georgia’s largest school district, with about 183,000 students. The Buford city school district, which has about 5,800 students, is also located in Gwinnett. Buford’s last day of school is Thursday.
The mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, prompted some parents to post on social media that they were keeping their children home from school. Some local school officials acknowledged the concerns.
Fulton County school officials said they will be “vigilant and aware of the safety concerns our community will have in the wake of this tragedy.” They said staff will be available for students to talk about the shooting. The last day of school is Thursday.
“As we close out the school year and head into summer with the complex emotions this tragedy will create, please remembers to reach out to each other to provide support and care,” the district said in a statement.
Superintendent Mike Looney posted on Twitter: “Lifting up all the families impacted by today’s tragedy in TX. This just has to stop.”
Clayton County school officials sent out a reminder late Tuesday that the district will have multiple security checkpoints and weapons detection scanners at its graduation sites. The release noted anyone exhibiting unruly behavior will be removed from the venues. Its graduations began Wednesday and continue through Friday.
Superintendent Morcease Beasley said in a Twitter post that elected leaders must do more to “change America from being the mass murder capital.”
“When we get sick, tired of gun violence we will do something about it,” he said. “Our children and educators deserve to go home daily.”
Several other local and state education leaders expressed their condolences.
“To the students, teachers, and staff of Robb Elementary, to the parents and community of Uvalde — the hearts and prayers of Georgians are with you,” said state School Superintendent Richard Woods.
Henry County’s school district said on its social media sites its thoughts go out to the families.
“Our condolences go out to those mourning the loss of loved ones,” the district said in a statement.
Staff writer Maureen Downey contributed to this article.
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