Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper), President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate, Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) and Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley) announced Wednesday $280,000 in funding for school safety in Walker County and Jasper City schools.
During the 2023 legislative session, the Alabama Legislature allocated funding for education resources. Local leaders advocated for and successfully secured these competitive grant funds for safety programs for both the Walker County School System and Jasper City School System.
“Our schools do an incredible job pouring into our young students, and I am so proud of the work our educators do daily,” said Reed. “It is our job as legislators to make sure that our schools have all the resources they need to be successful and invest in our young students’ futures. As parents, grandparents, loved ones, and community members, it is more important to us that they are safe and secure, especially in the classroom. This investment in safety enhancements and equipment in our schools will ensure that our young students are safe throughout the day and can focus on learning and growing. Children are gifts from God that we cherish. This peace of mind is what families deserve, and I will continue to make sure our schools have the necessary resources to make a positive impact in each child’s life for a brighter future.”
Metal detectors were installed in Walker County and Jasper City schools and have been in use following the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Our children are one of God’s greatest blessings,” said Woods. “As parents, we do our best to always protect them. Unfortunately, we live in a world where evil exists and eventually finds its way into our schools. I appreciate the emphasis our two school systems have placed on safety. I may be a legislator, but I’m a father first. When we drop off our children at school, we expect that they will be safe throughout the day and every effort should be made to keep them safe until they return home. That’s what I want for my child. That’s what every student and parent deserve. I will continue to secure resources to equip our schools with the best technology and safety equipment possible. I want to thank Senator Reed for his work on this issue and I appreciate his dedication to making our schools safer.”
“The schools in Walker County have an important task educating our young students,” said Wadsworth. “It is incredibly important for our parents and families that we provide schools with adequate resources to ensure our young students are safe during their studies. I am proud of the investment our legislative and educational leaders are making to further the safety measures and equipment our schools have at their disposal. Our schoolchildren are our future, and I am proud of all of the daily work that Walker County educators do to ensure successes in their lives.”
School leaders in the community expressed their gratitude for these funds for additional safety equipment on school campuses for students and educators.
“The Walker County School System puts safety at the top of our priority list,” said Dr. Dennis Willingham, Superintendent of Walker County Schools. “The board members and I are thankful for the continued support from our legislative team, which includes Sen. Greg Reed and Representatives Matt Woods and Tim Wadsworth. They are always looking for funding to help keep our kids and employees safe. We have recently added Weapon Detectors to all our schools, along with Weapon Detecting Dogs that conduct periodic visits. The funding package that we just received from Senator Reed and our representatives will continue to support our efforts to ensure that our students and employees have a safe environment every day.”
“These funds will go toward upgrading security cameras and weapon detectors throughout our system,” said Dr. Ann Jackson, Superintendent of Jasper City Schools. “Sen. Reed and Rep. Woods’s commitment to the well-being of our students and staff have made a significant impact on our ability to create a secure and nurturing learning environment. This funding will undoubtedly contribute to the overall safety and resilience of our school community. We understand that the support from our state delegation goes beyond a financial contribution; it represents a shared commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive without their safety. Their dedication to this cause is truly commendable, and we are honored to have their support. We look forward to working together to ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning, growth, and achievement.”
