For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2025
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Phenix City, Ala.) – Attorney General Steve Marshall today presented the 2024 Safe School Initiative Award to Ladonia Elementary School in Phenix City, Alabama. The award provides the opportunity to recognize the excellent implementation of safety plans and identify current trends in school safety.
“The well-being of Alabama students and staff is always on forefront of our mind. Ladonia Elementary School’s comprehensive plan demonstrates a proactive and well-coordinated approach to preventing and responding to potential threats,” said Attorney General Marshall. “The partnership between the school and local law enforcement ensures that we can prepare for any situation while maintaining a secure learning environment where students can thrive.”
In presenting the award, Attorney General Marshall stated, “The Attorney General’s Office is proud to recognize Ladonia Elementary School as one of the winning schools in Alabama for 2024. In the review of their work, Ladonia Elementary exceeded the minimum safety standards thanks to the school’s extensive preparation and strong collaboration with its safety team.”
Ladonia Elementary School Assistant Principal Raven Garrett stated, “At Ladonia Elementary and throughout the Russell County School District, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment that fosters learning for both students and staff. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our school safety team, the Russell County Sheriff’s Department, Lt. Jones, our Superintendent and Board of Education, as well as our students and staff, who have excelled in understanding and following our safety
procedures.”
The selection process featured a comprehensive application and review process by a panel of independent judges who possess real-world insight into school safety trends. All applicants were evaluated in their ability to enhance safe school protocols through preparation and training; collaboration with local emergency response agencies; involvement of school resource officer or alternate security personnel; structure and innovation of safety technology, community participation; and law-related and prevention education.
For the Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative, six schools from across the State of Alabama were selected to receive the Safe School Award, the highest achievement. Those winners are: Orange Beach Middle & High School, Orange Beach; UMS-Wright Preparatory School, Mobile; Ladonia Elementary School, Phenix City; Russellville Elementary School, Russellville; Cullman City Primary School, Cullman; and Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana.
An additional eight schools exceeded the minimum state requirements and exhibited dedication to higher standards for student learning, mental health, and safety. These schools were recognized by receiving a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Attorney General.
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