ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
130 Trinity Avenue SW | Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Seth Coleman, Director of Media
404-802-2891, office
404-345-8630, cell
seth.coleman@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Jasmine Mosley, Media Relations Manager
404-802-2888, office
404-937-0473, cell
jasmine.mosley@atlanta.k12.ga.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2024
Atlanta Public Schools Weekly News Tip Sheet
(October 14 - 19, 2024)
Editors/Producers/Reporters: The following is a list of events, programs, accomplishments, and/or initiatives occurring in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) this week. Please use it as a guide as you develop your coverage plans.
Members of the media are invited to attend all events on the Weekly APS News Tip Sheet. If you are interested in these stories, please contact Seth Coleman, Director, Media & Social Media, or Jasmine Mosley, Media Relations Manager.
Thank you for your interest in Atlanta Public Schools!
APS Safety Director Wins Youth Protection Award from Boy Scouts of America
Atlanta Public Schools Police Chief Ronald Applin, the district's Director of Safety & Security, was recently honored as the 2024 Youth Protection Champion by the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Under Chief Applin’s leadership, the APS Office of Safety & Security has implemented a number of initiatives and protocols to keep the district’s 50,000 students safe, including:
- APS is the only school district police department in the country that has met the standards for the International Association of Chiefs of Police One Mind Campaign.
- Security vestibules are being installed in all schools.
- Evolv weapons screening detectors deployed to all middle and high schools.
- Access-controlled exterior main door with camera and intercom at every school/administration building; secured exterior doors throughout all hours.
- Centegix visitor and badging system deployed to all school/administration buildings.
- Say Something Anonymous Reporting System advertised within schools for students to report tips and threats.
- Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T) presented to students by Atlanta Public Schools Police Department trainers for gang awareness.
- Restorative practice training for APSPD officers.
- Crisis Intervention Team training for every officer.
- Mental health first aid for all officers.
- 24/7/365 APS Police Dispatch Center with trained dispatchers to immediately handle incoming calls and deploy officers.
- Narcan nasal spray carried by APSPD to combat opioid overdoses.
- Collaboration with GBI, FBI, GSP, APD, Fulton Sheriff, and other law enforcement/public safety agencies.
APS Receives Prestigious Award for Budget Presentation
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has presented Atlanta Public Schools with its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
The award represents a significant achievement in that it reflects the district’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governmental entities throughout North America.
In order to receive the budget award, APS had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation designed to assess how well an organization's budget serves as a/an:
- Policy document
- Financial plan
- Operations guide
- Communications device
Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 22,500 members and the communities they serve.
The award marks the second major acknowledgement during this school year of the district’s sound financial stewardship. Last month for the 15th consecutive year the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) awarded APS its Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting.
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About Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state of Georgia, serving approximately 50,000 students across 87 learning sites, including 59 neighborhood schools, 5 partner schools, 19 charter schools, 2 citywide single-gender academies, and 2 alternative programs. To learn more about Atlanta Public Schools, follow us on social media – Twitter (@apsupdate), Facebook (Atlanta Public Schools), and Instagram (apsupdate) – or visit us online at www.atlantapublicschools.us.
