Special to the Herald
GUYTON -- South Effingham High School administrators and law enforcement responded swiftly to a report of a weapon on campus Feb. 28.
A student reported the concern to a teacher, who immediately notified the school administration. Following district safety protocols, school officials, in collaboration with the School Resource Officer (SRO), conducted a thorough search of the student’s belongings and discovered a handgun in the student’s bookbag. The SRO promptly intervened, securing the weapon without incident.
As a precautionary measure, the school initiated a Level Two lockdown while law enforcement and administrators conducted a precautionary weapons sweep to ensure the safety of all students and staff. After a thorough assessment, the building was determined to be secure, and the lockdown was lifted. The school has since resumed normal operations.
Effingham County School District officials believe this was an isolated incident and want to assure the community that the safety and well-being of students and staff remain the district’s highest priority.
“I want first to thank the student that was willing to speak up, and I want to commend our students, staff, and law enforcement for their immediate response and professionalism in handling this situation,” said ECSD Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford. “Their quick actions ensured that everyone remained safe, and we will continue to take every precaution necessary to maintain a safe learning environment.”
Metal detectors were implemented at SEHS, ECHS, and ECCA for all students, staff, and visitors beginning March 3.
According to the district’s Facebook page, students can help speed up the process of going through the metal detectors by removing unnecessary items from their backpacks and book bags. Also, when approaching the metal detectors, remove anything metal – Chromebooks, headphones, phones, calculators, three-ring binders with metal rings, etc. from backpacks and book bags.
The district added that two additional metal detectors will be set up at SEHS and ECHS to screen students quicker; and that five more metal detectors have been ordered.
