Apalachee High resumes classes with metal detectors
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Barrow County School District has implemented new security measures following the deadly September shooting at Apalachee High School.
Students and staff at Apalachee High School walked through newly installed weapon detectors on Tuesday.
Dina Valladares has a daughter who is a sophomore.
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Her daughter who did not want to be identified chose not to go to school.
“I didn’t go to school today not because of the metal detectors. I just still have heebie-jeebies about it,” she said.
Valladares said her daughter still struggles with the tragedy that unfolded at the school in September when a student, Colt Gray, 14, was charged in connection to the deadly shooting that killed four and injured several others.
“I have a lot of mixed feelings. I do feel positive that we’re moving in the right direction but as well I’m also concerned that the school board is not taking enough initiative to create proactive measures for safety in our school,” Valladares said.
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The victims of the Sept. 4 shooting were 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, math teacher Cristina Irimie and football coach and teacher Richard Aspinwall.
Recently, a 14-year-old student was arrested for allegedly bringing a gun to campus last week.
The Barrow County School board held an emergency meeting to purchase the detectors that have now been set up at all three high schools.
The school board voted to spend $700,000 to purchase the “Open Gate Weapons Detections Systems” at the meeting held on Thursday.
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“Knowing that they are there and that my friends have had good things to say about it makes me feel better about going for the rest of the week,” said Valladares’ daughter.
Valladares said the school board’s reactive efforts are putting their children at risk — and they need to be held able.
She said they’re calling for additional safety measures.
“I just hope that more parents get involved. We need more , and we can’t let our guard down. This is just step one. This is just the beginning,” Valladares said.
District officials said random screenings may also happen throughout the day at various school locations.
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