A primary concern for parents is the safety of their children. With recent headlines describing drive-by shootings, gang activity, and drug sales and use, it's no wonder that parents are fearful. These incidents, however, occur more frequently in the neighborhood environment, away from the school setting. In fact, school is still the safest place for kids.

Recent research indicates that nationwide, fewer children suffer serious injuries while at school or while participating in school-related activities today than in the past. What's more, the possibility of someone introducing your child to drugs and alcohol or that your child will become involved in some type of violent action is greater in a neighborhood setting than at school.

Why is this the case? First, the level of adult supervision provided by our schools is unmatched elsewhere in a child's life. Children are monitored or supervised by an adult from the time they board the bus in the morning until they are released at the close of the school day. Even their extracurricular activities are supervised by one or more adults, either acting as a club sponsor or as a coach.

Second, no organizations are more regulated in America today than are schools. School districts must adhere to the standards and safety policies required by federal, state, and county agencies. These concern everything from educational issues to playgrounds and school lunches. Fire prevention regulations alone govern both new construction and building modifications. They even determine the number and type of decorations a teacher can use in his or her classroom.

The transportation program is heavily regulated as well. Not only are there standards for bus construction, but there are state licensing requirements and mandatory safety training for bus drivers. With more than 13,000 students transported over 6500 miles on buses daily in Coweta County, there are valid reasons for establishing strict rules and regulations governing their use. As a result of these rules and regulations, children are four times as safe on a school bus as they are in a private vehicle.

The Board of Education is always searching for ways to ensure the safety of your children while they are in our care. Photo identification badges for all employees, visitor sign-in at school offices, call-back buttons in classrooms, drug dogs, and school resource officers are just a few examples of the implementation of safety procedures. The transportation department is currently studying a method of tracking school buses as they travel on their daily routes.

The safety and well-being of your children are our top priority. It's no wonder that parents often breathe a sigh of relief when school resumes each year. They know that their children are acquiring new skills and knowledge, and they also know that they are safe at school.

Safe schools are another reason why good schools are a great investment.

Coweta County School System- March 1998-Office of Public Information