Ga. lawmakers could make panic alarms mandatory in schools
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The panic alarm device that alerted authorities to Wednesday’s shooting at Apalachee High School is also in use across the CSRA, as well as in 80% of Georgia schools.
State lawmakers are looking at making panic alarms mandatory for school districts.
A bill requiring some kind of panic devices was introduced last legislative session.
There’s been talk of bringing the bill back next year.
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Praise continues for Centegix, the alert system used at Apalachee. Schools in McDuffie counties use Centegix, and Columbia County uses a similar system.
It’s a card worn on a lanyard, and school employees can press a button that calls for help if there’s an active shooter or other danger.
The system isn’t cheap.
Centegix charges roughly $8,000 per school per year for its system, which includes the badges, other equipment and software
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The state’s budget for the school year includes more than 100 million for school security upgrades – roughly $45,000 for each school – with a choice to spend it how they want.
Districts seem very happy with it.
“It is part of our dress code, essentially and all staff wear their Centegix badge every day, all day long,” said Stacy Amerson, principal of Dearing Elementary.
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“This Centegix system has just been a very succinct, very quick way for us to respond to any concerns, medical concerns, discipline concerns or anything, you know, intruder concerns,” said Amerson.
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