- Atlanta Public Schools
- Safety & Security Task Force
Safety & Securty Task Force
Safety & Security Message from Superintendent Johnson
Secure Firearm Storage
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Research shows that secure firearm storage practices are associated with up to an 85 percent reduction in the risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens. On December 6, 2021, the Atlanta Board of Education passed a resolution promoting safe and responsible storage of firearms by parents and families. Since the passage of that resolution, the Board and District Administration have collaborated with law enforcement agencies, health agencies, and non-profit organizations to inform stakeholders about the importance of secure storage of firearms in their homes. We have partnered with Be SMART (Besmartforkids.org) to share information on safe storage with every school.
Safety is always an adult responsibility and it takes all of us to create safe environments. Here is what you can do to BE SMART!
Secure all guns in your home and vehicles;
Model responsible behavior around guns;
Ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes;
Recognize the role of guns in suicide; and
Tell your peers to be SMART.
Here are best practices for secure gun storage and additional resources below to assist you as you and your family become more committed to safe gun storage. We are in this together!
Talking to Your Children about Guns
Keeping Your Home Safe with Secure Storage
Unload, Lock, and Separate: Secure Storage Practices to Reduce Gun Violence
Task Force Purpose
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As part of our Safety & Security strategies, APS is initiating a Safety & Security Task Force. This group’s purpose is as follows:
(Draft) The APS Safety & Security Task Force aims to enhance the safety and security of students, staff, and facilities within the school district. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the task force will assess current safety measures, identify areas for improvement, and recommend actionable strategies to create a secure learning environment.
Co-Chairs
- Ronald Applin (Chief, APSPD)
- Chelsea Montgomery (Assistant Superintendent, Student Services)
Task Force (as of 10/7)
- Bobbin Eastwood (District 1)
- Josh D'Agostino (District 3)
- Elizabeth White (District 4)
- Nkoyo Lewis (District 5)
- La’Sandra Arnold (District 7)
- Carl Hill (District 9)
- Tarsha Keller (Therrell)
- Marcus Daniels (Student, BEST Academy)
- Miles McNease (Student, Atlanta Classical Academy)
- Tabitha Williams (Police Dispatcher)
- Keith Sumas (Emergency Management)
- Assistant Chief Carven Tyus (Atlanta Police Department)
- Shavonne Edwards (Fulton County Sheriff)
- Aprille Moore (Fulton County Sheriff)
- Stephanie Dill (Be SMART)
- Shannon Cofrin Gaggero (Midtown, Safe Gun Storage Advocate)
Roadmap (Draft)
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Date
Purpose
Deliverable(s)
10/8
Current State: Review the current and upcoming strategies to create a safe and secure learning environment.
Schedule; Expectations; Next Steps
11/6
Future State: Identify potential strategies and opportunities to strengthen our current efforts.
Prioritized List, Assigned Team Members, Schedule Confirmation
12/3
1/14
Research Presentations: Two rounds of research for discussion on potential strategies and opportunities
Presentations
2/4
Draft Recommendations: Based on the research and discussions, draft recommendations
Draft Recommendations
3/4
Final Recommendations: Finalize recommendations
Final Recommendations
5/6
Closing: Review FY26 tentative budget and plans for 25-26
Safety & Security Task Force Meetings
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Date
Materials
10/8
11/5
Presentation
12/3
Presentation
1/14
Presentation
2/4
Presentation
3/4
Presentation
5/6
Presentation