Athens high schools to see increased security after extended lockdown on Wednesday

Clarke County high schools will have increased security following an increase in fights and a lockdown at Cedar Shoals High School.

Superintendent Xernona J. Thomas sent a letter to parents Wednesday afternoon announcing that security will increase at Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central high schools. The schools currently have school resource officers, but following the announcement, additional law enforcement will be added to the campuses.

Cedar Shoals High School went into an extended lockdown Wednesday due to a physical altercation that involved several students, according to an alert sent to parents.  Athens-Clarke County Police Department officers were called to the scene. No weapons were involved, according to ACCPD spokesperson Lt. Shaun Barnett. The students involved are facing disciplinary action.

“In addition, there were altercations at Clarke Central High School which required administrative attention,” said the letter.

Wednesday’s altercation is the latest in what Thomas called an “increase in inappropriate behaviors” over the last several weeks, adding that students are choosing to "resolve their issues with violence."

CCSD director of public relations and communications Donald Porter confirmed that the “increased security” mentioned in Thomas’ letter will include additional ACCPD officers as well as additional district personnel.

Porter said that he is “not aware of injuries from today's incidents that required transportation to a medical facility” and that school officials will cooperate with ACCPD investigations if any charges were to be taken against those involved. 

“Situations like these negatively impact safety, instruction, and confidence in our schools. We ask that our families and community partners help us in addressing these disciplinary issues by discussing appropriate behaviors and consequences with your children,” said Thomas.