New Safety Measures at HCHS
Heard County High School has decided to tweak the front entryway access policy to ensure greater safety for students and faculty. Starting on April 21, the outside front doors will remain closed and locked. Individuals will need to press a button and identify themselves to front office personnel prior to being allowed building access. Previously, individuals could enter the main lobby of the front office and walk up to speak face to face with office staff. “We have always prided ourselves in being welcoming and open to our community,” stated J.J. Wahl, principal of Heard County High School. “However, we have to be mindful of the realities of our society and keep the safety of our students as a top priority.”
The Heard County School System leadership joined with leaders at Heard County High School in adjusting the previous entryway access policy due to an event that occurred after school hours on April 19. About half an hour after student dismissal, an individual in distress entered the building and law enforcement had to be called to the scene. The individual was escorted away by law enforcement and no one was injured. The incident did, however, lead to a review of the building access protocols. These changes to Heard County High School’s building access protocols, mirror the policies that already exist at several of Heard County's other schools. “The best organizations find ways to continually improve,” shared Heard County School System Superintendent Rodney Kay. “This includes the area of school safety. We will consider anything that we can do to protect our students and give parents the assurance that their children will be safe with us.”