In this first part of a very important discussion on safety, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale answers questions from Felicia Wagner, Executive Director of the Cobb Schools Foundation and a parent of a Cobb student. The District budgets $35 million annually on safety, and Superintendent Ragsdale highlights some of the ways this money is spent and why. Cobb's ongoing efforts are constantly being evaluated and modified to meet the challenges of balancing safety with the realities of modern-day threats.

Part of the $35 million goes towards personnel, equipment, and training for crisis situations. Superintendent Ragsdale notes the experience and professionalism of the District police officers, many with over 20 years of service, as well as the ongoing collaboration with local and national law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He also mentions the use of crisis management systems that allow for real-time alerts and rapid response.

Just like fire drills, the District conducts code red drills, preparing staff and students for potential emergency situations. The purpose of drills is to ensure that everyone knows what to do in a crisis and are followed by debriefs to evaluate performance and areas for improvement. 

Superintendent Ragsdale acknowledges that school shootings have permanently altered how safety is viewed in education, and even discussing them can cause fear and anxiety. He emphasizes the District's commitment to proactive safety measures and identifying and preventing incidents before they occur. In order for this to work, it requires the active support and involvement of the entire community. The District treats every threat as real; even pranks are thoroughly investigated and have severe legal and disciplinary consequences.

Watch or listen to this important first part of Superintendent Ragsdale's In-Depth on School Safety.