As Barrow County Schools remain closed for the rest of the week following a mass shooting at Apalachee High School on Wednesday, neighboring school districts are taking precautions and offering condolences.
A 14-year-old student at the school shot and killed four people, and nine people were transported to hospitals, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The suspect has been charged with four counts of felony murder in connection with the shooting and will be tried as an adult. The GBI said Wednesday night that investigators are assessing whether any active threats exist at other schools.
In Gwinnett County, which borders Barrow, Superintendent Calvin J. Watts said in a Thursday release that Gwinnett County Public Schools has increased its police presence around its campuses.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting that took place in Barrow County today,” Watts wrote. “While this incident did not directly involve our district, we understand it may cause concern and anxiety.”
Watts also noted the district’s GCPS Tips resource, which he said students can use to report safety issues and mental health concerns.
Officials with Fulton County Schools say the school system is working with local police to amp up their presence on school campuses for the next couple of days.
FCS issued a statement to parents and guardians Wednesday to address the shooting.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, as well as the entire Barrow County School District during this challenging time,” the statement read. “Whenever something as shocking and tragic as this happens it impacts us all.”
The school system also shared resources for guardians to talk to students about violence, as well as an anonymous tip line to flag concerns or questions.
“We encourage you to talk with your children about their feelings and reassure them that their safety is of utmost importance,” the statement read.
FCS officials also said all schools in the district have completed active shooter drills.
Over in DeKalb County, Superintendent Devon Q. Horton expressed condolences to the students and staff of Apalachee High School.
“We mourn alongside you, grieving the loss of precious lives and standing in solidarity with those still bravely fighting for theirs,” Horton said in a statement.
DeKalb has also ordered school police to be on alert in light of Wednesday’s events.
In Rockdale County, near Barrow County, officials with the school system are offering further support and resources, per a statement on the district’s website.
“We are deeply saddened and forever changed by the unthinkable and horrific actions that took place inside the school, which should be the one place our children feel safe, not afraid,” the joint statement read.
Rockdale County Public Schools officials also said they remain “committed to keeping the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff our highest priority.”
Officials with Clayton County Public Schools reiterated their efforts to keep the district’s campuses “Free Zones.”
“It is also important that we remind our families and our communities that they play an essential role in supporting our efforts to keep our campuses Free Zones – weapons-free, violence-free, drug-free, bully-free, and gang-free,” said CCPS Superintendent Anthony W. Smith. “These Five Behaviors Norms are non-negotiables for our school system.”
CCPS has partnered with local authorities to continue random searches on their campuses to secure the safety of students and staff.
