Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

212 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 scenarios. These drills aren’t merely about the routine but also about ensuring the mental preparedness of our students and staff.” The importance of prevention in the district’s safety approach is evident in its 24/7 tip line, an initiative that allows students and parents to anonymously report concerns. It has seen substantial utilization since its inception. Partnerships play a pivotal role in the school system’s safety strategy. With strong ties to 14 municipalities throughout Fulton County, the district works diligently to optimize response times and share crucial information. Jones concludes, “It’s a comprehensive effort - a network of relationships - to ensure that safety and security happen at the optimal level, allowing us to focus on teaching.” Confronting Challenges: From Learning Loss to Staffing Gaps The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic posed various challenges for educational institutions around the globe. While distance learning proved disruptive for many, school districts had ‘Auburn First’. As Jones describes, “We have a dual enrollment program with a research- based institution that is giving our students high-quality Auburn programming. If students earn a B in two classes, they get an automatic acceptance to Auburn University.” FCS has also forged partnerships with various industries to supplement these academic offerings. Jones cites an instance - “We have a partnership with an auto dealer named Rick Case Hyundai. A student interned this past year and, upon completion, was offered an entry-level job starting at $20 plus an hour.” Such partnerships exemplify the district’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and employment. The backbone of all these initiatives? Funding. Jones-Huff explains one of the economic mechanics underpinning the district’s growth - “Since 1997, Fulton has had an Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax,” she says. “That extra penny funded over 51 new school buildings, 63 additions to our schools, and major upgrades to our infrastructure.” She details the varied funding uses from purchasing student devices to bolstering security across campuses with features like impact-resistant window films. Prioritizing Safety: The Comprehensive Approach of Fulton County Schools Student safety is at the forefront of the district’s top priorities. FCS exemplifies this promise through its proactive and layered approach to campus security. Jones-Huff elaborates, “We have a district-wide police department, and they are present in our elementary, middle, and high schools. We even have our own SWAT team which trains comprehensively, collaborating closely with our local jurisdictions.” While not every grade level has a dedicated officer, the presence and commitment of this team are undeniable. However, for FCS, safety isn’t just about having officers on site. The mindset towards security is much more expansive. Jones further explains, “Safety is paramount to getting anything done within a school. We’re focusing extensively on drills – from tornado and fire to intruder