Leon County Schools has emerged as a key focal point in the national discussion on school safety, showcasing local responses to issues like school shootings.
The school district has prioritized student safety through legislative support, community engagement and resource allocation amid public safety challenges.
In response to the mass shooting in 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County, Florida enacted the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, which directly affected school safety policy throughout the state. Policies have been enacted throughout the local school district, including the largest public high schools in Tallahassee, as a result of this act.
It has increased police presence of SROs, frequent active shooter drills, and a follow-through with safety assessments monitored by the state’s Office of Safe Schools.
“We are working diligently with local law enforcement, our teachers, and the community to ensure that our schools are safe places where students can focus on learning, not fear,” Superintendent Rocky Hanna said during a recent news conference.
LCS’ approach to addressing school shootings involves significant collaboration with the local community. Parents, teachers, local law enforcement and health professionals have become active partners in school safety discussions. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office plays a pivotal role in providing school resource officers and offering safety training for students and staff.
“Our school resource officers are not only trained to respond to potential threats but also to build relationships with students, creating a safer environment through trust,” LCSO said in a prepared statement.
At the same time, the district’s schools have installed enhanced surveillance systems and introduced mobile apps for reporting potential threats, ensuring that both students and staff can act quickly in cases of emergency.
The financial investment in school safety has been substantial. In the 2023 fiscal year, Leon County Schools allocated a portion of its budget to upgrading security systems,
including the installation of metal detectors in some schools, enhanced video surveillance and secure entry points. These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all schools in the district meet state-mandated safety standards while addressing the specific needs of the local community.
Nationally, school safety continues to be a priority. Additionally, the United States Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) emphasizes the importance of behavioral threat assessments and multi-disciplinary safety teams in preventing school violence, a strategy that Leon County Schools has embraced.
“It’s not enough to arm our schools with guards and metal detectors— we must arm our students with mental health resources and support systems to prevent crises before they happen,” Florida House of Representative Gallop Franklin II said during a legislative session.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 90% of public schools now report having safety and security staff, but the balance between safety and creating a welcoming learning environment remains a challenge.
LCS’ efforts to combat school shootings reflect a blend of state-led legislation and local community involvement. The district’s commitment to student safety is evident in the resources allocated to security measures and mental health services. However, ongoing challenges —such as balancing safety with a welcoming school atmosphere —continue to shape the conversation around how best to protect students.
As Leon County Schools continues to address these pressing issues, it will be essential for local leaders, educators and families to work together to find solutions that not only prevent violence but also foster a supportive environment where students can thrive.