CLINCH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - Back to school is just around the corner, and the Clinch County School System is implementing some new safety measures in hopes of creating safer campuses for students to return to.

Middle and high students can expect some changes when arriving at the school in the mornings. There will upgraded weapon detection systems set up at the entrances for drivers, car riders and bus riders. These upgraded systems are set in place to ensure student safety and to improve the traffic flow of students entering the building in the morning.

In addition to these systems, a clear bag policy has been put in place for the 2025-2026 school year. During this school year, only clear or mesh bags will be allowed on campus. This policy will be enforced with all middle and high school students.

But safety measure don’t stop there. The Centegix campus-wide response system is used to communicate levels of threat.

Clinch County Schools Superintendent Lori James said, “Just this week, our administrators were trained to proactively conduct safety walks and things to look for when they are walking campus. Vulnerabilities to document so we can meet together and review the data to make continuous changes.”

Crystal Godfrey is the parent of a rising freshman and outgoing senior. This will be the second year her children go through the weapons detection system and the first with clear book bags.

“What we may see as a minor inconvenience compares nothing to the safety of our students,” she said. “I think it’s great. I love Clinch County Schools. I’m blessed that my children go to school here, and I think that this just gives every parent peace of mind that their kids are safe while being educated everyday.”

Clinch County Schools said over the summer, the system reviewed current safety policies along with new state laws to ensure the new K-12 campus would remain safe for everyone.

In addition, the school system works closely with local law enforcement to perform drills, develop safety plans and response to emergencies.

James said, “Safety is never done. It’s an ongoing process.”

As Clinch County prepares for year two in its new, securely divided facility, they are excited to bring increased STEM opportunities through partnership with Mercer and Georgia Tech via Zoom, as well as added electives for middle school students and activities for elementary students.

James said, “We all work together to try to grow Clinch County and to try to make it the best place to live for our students and everybody in the community. We’re looking forward to a great school year.”

The Homerville Police Department will be hosting a Back to School Rally on Tuesday, July 29 from 9 a.m. until noon. The department will be giving away over 200 book bags with school supplies to help students as they prepare to return to school.

Clinch County Schools’ first day of school is set for Wednesday, August 6.

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