FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
April 27,2016
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 1
AG STRANGE PRESENTS OAK PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
WITH 2015 SAFE SCHOOL INITIATIVE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Strange today presented Oak Park Middle
School in Decatur with the 2015 Attorney General’s Safe School Initiative Award of
Excellence for Alabama State Board of Education District 6. Schools were selected as
winners from seven* Alabama State School Board of Education districts, as well as three
private schools for each region of the state.
“The Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Awards of Excellence are presented to schools
that have performed exceptionally to provide a safe environment for students, with special
emphasis on implementation of the Best Practices my office compiled based on previous
recipients,” said Attorney General Strange. “I’m pleased that Oak Park Middle School was
selected as one of the 10 winning schools in Alabama for 2015. In making this decision, the
judges noted many things that distinguished Oak Park Middle School: law enforcement
collaboration including full interior video of the school and aerial photos taken by a police
special response unit, special training to school personnel by the police special response
unit, preventative collaboration with the local juvenile court system and implementation of
the ‘Digital Citizenship Curriculum’ to address cyber bullying.”
“I firmly believe the first steps in any learning environment begins with a safe
school,” said Principal Wes Black. “We’re delighted that Attorney General Strange has
chosen to recognize our efforts at Oak Park and the Decatur City Schools. We also believe
that just being presented this award is a reflection of the City of Decatur and our school
system.”
The Attorney General’s Office is presenting awards for the 2015 Safe School Awards
of Excellence winners to the 10 winning schools during April and May. Other winning
schools throughout the state include Orange Beach Elementary School in Baldwin County,
Opelika High School in Lee County, Hewitt-Trussville High School in Jefferson County,
Monroe County High School in Monroe County, Cedar Hill Elementary School in
Limestone County, Coosa Valley Academy in Shelby County, Helena Middle School in
Shelby County, Riverhill School in Lauderdale County and Lakeside School in Barbour
County.
*Alabama has eight public school districts but no submissions were received from District 4.
–30–
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
