As students return to classrooms across Georgia, safety is taking center stage — especially in Pierce County, where new technology and statewide laws are reshaping the way schools approach security.
Monday marks the first day back for students in Pierce County, and this year, they’re walking into campuses equipped with new safety protocols designed to protect them from the moment they arrive.
In Pierce County, a high-tech weapons detection system known as OpenGate is now part of the daily routine. The non-invasive scanners, which cost the district more than $236,000, allow students to pass through without needing to empty backpacks or remove personal items.
Superintendent Dara Bennett said the system is fast, accurate, and designed to add an extra layer of protection without disrupting arrival times. Staff received training over the summer, and parents will receive guidance during orientations and throughout the first week of school.
Meanwhile, in Charlton County and beyond, districts are adapting to new mandates under House Bill 268, Georgia’s updated school safety law that took effect this year. The legislation was passed in response to a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School, where four people were killed.
Among the law’s provisions:
- Mandatory reporting of threats made on school grounds
- Wearable panic buttons for all school staff
- Faster sharing of student records among schools, law enforcement, and mental health agencies
- A dedicated mental health coordinator for every district
One of the more controversial elements of the law is a provision requiring that students ages 13 to 16 be prosecuted as adults for serious violent offenses on campus, such as attempted murder or gun-related assault.
The state is also working to launch a new system to track students who’ve made credible threats.
Officials say these changes are part of a broader effort to build stronger partnerships between schools, families, law enforcement, and health professionals.
For parents and students, orientation events this week will be key to understanding what’s new and how to navigate the changes ahead.
