Greenwood County Schools Implement Enhanced Safety Measures

Greenwood, SC – Greenwood County School District 50 is taking significant steps to enhance student safety ahead of the new school year by assigning a full-time school resource officer (SRO) to every school in the district. This initiative comes as part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen safety protocols and responses to potential threats within the school environment.

Among the school resource officers is Sgt. Cody Cockrell, who, along with other SROs, has contributed to creating a safety video that will demonstrate standard safety protocols. The video, which features participation from district staff and students, will be distributed district-wide once classes resume. This initiative reflects a proactive measure in preparing both staff and students for various safety scenarios.

The district is implementing several new safety measures designed to prevent potential threats in schools and ensure that staff can react swiftly in emergencies. One of the key upgrades includes the installation of a weapon detection system in each school. With a dedicated SRO always present on-site, the district aims to enhance the security presence and readiness to manage any urgent situations that may arise.

In addition to the deployment of SROs, staff members, including teachers, custodians, and cafeteria workers, will be equipped with walkie-talkies and panic buttons, allowing for immediate communication in case of emergencies. This development is intended to improve the coordination and response times should any safety issues occur.

The district plans to roll out a new virtual hall pass system, enabling staff to monitor student movements effectively by scanning student IDs. This innovation is aimed at maintaining safety within the school while organizing student flow efficiently. Schools will also conduct on-site emergency training tailored to their specific scenarios, moving away from the previous practice of large, district-wide trainings.

The safety initiatives are spearheaded by Natalie Talbert, the district safety manager, who joined Greenwood County School District 50 in 2019 after a 39-year career in law enforcement. Her responsibilities encompass writing safety grants, conducting reunification drills, and teaching students about intruder response protocols. Talbert emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach to safety, indicating that effective safety cannot be achieved in isolation.

In tandem with school initiatives, the community plays a crucial role in enhancing safety, particularly in school zones. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and avoid distractions while driving, such as using cell phones. Parents are also advised against dropping off their children mid-traffic to avoid congestion, as this puts students at risk. Additionally, drivers are reminded to adhere to school bus laws and to stop when buses are loading or unloading students.

The Greenwood County School District 50’s multifaceted approach to safety demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of students and staff. With the new school year fast approaching, these initiatives are set to equip schools with the necessary tools and resources to ensure a secure learning environment.