Cobb County, Georgia, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Cobb County, Georgia, is prioritizing school safety through a partnership with CENTEGIX, implementing advanced technology aimed at protecting students and staff. The CENTEGIX Safety Platform, featuring solutions like CrisisAlert and Visitor Management, has grown significantly, safeguarding over 15,000 sites across the nation. Additionally, the Cobb County School District is utilizing the Servius Group for comprehensive safety analysis, amidst rising concerns over transparency in data collection practices. These initiatives reflect Cobb County’s commitment to enhancing school security in response to national safety concerns.
Cobb County, Georgia has taken significant strides in enhancing school safety measures amidst rising safety concerns nationwide. The Cobb County School District has recently partnered with CENTEGIX, a metro Atlanta-based school security company, to implement advanced technology systems in an effort to protect students and staff across the district.
As of August 2023, CENTEGIX has established its warning systems in 90% of Georgia’s schools, safeguarding over 15,000 sites and reaching approximately 15 million individuals across 48 states. This surge in growth is largely due to the CENTEGIX Safety Platform, which features solutions such as CrisisAlert, Safety Blueprint, and Visitor Management systems. These comprehensive tools are not only utilized in educational institutions but also by healthcare facilities and government organizations.
One of the key components of the CENTEGIX Safety Platform is the CrisisAlert solution, a wearable panic button system that has successfully delivered over 700,000 alerts within the K-12 educational landscape. The demand for CENTEGIX’s security measures has been compelling, with the company reporting a remarkable 100% year-over-year increase in new bookings specifically in education and a 60% rise in healthcare. Additionally, bookings from state and local government sectors have skyrocketed by 1,900%, indicating a widespread and growing need for such safety solutions.
With the recent enhancements to its Safety Platform, including new Visitor Management capabilities and the delivery of direct 911 emergency information, CENTEGIX has demonstrated its commitment to creating safer environments. The adoption rate of their SafetyBlueprint has also doubled in the past year, enhancing functionalities such as dynamic mapping and asset-tagging in schools. Notably, CENTEGIX is now deployed in four of the ten largest U.S. school districts and has reached 71 of the top 250 districts nationwide. Furthermore, the company boasts a Net Promoter Score that is four times higher than the national average for school safety companies, reflecting high customer satisfaction.
In addition to these technological advancements, Cobb County Schools Superintendent Christopher Ragsdale has implemented a unique safety approach by contracting the Servius Group, an intelligence firm, for a comprehensive school safety analysis program. This initiative, costing nearly $2.6 million, aims to gather and analyze information regarding students to prevent potential threats. The methods employed by the Servius Group echo strategies typically employed by U.S. intelligence agencies, which has sparked concerns among critics regarding transparency and ethical data collection.
The Cobb County School District has been under scrutiny for not clearly disclosing the specifics about the types of data being collected on students, amid criticisms related to transparency in decision-making—a significant concern highlighted in responses to open records requests made to the district. Additionally, the funding allocated for school safety measures—more than $450 million following the Parkland shooting—is being used to bolster safety protocols, including threat assessments and monitoring efforts aimed at combating human trafficking.
Despite facing opposition from parents and advocacy groups over surveillance practices, the Cobb County School District remains committed to partnering with the Servius Group. Furthermore, Superintendent Ragsdale is optimistic that Cobb’s intelligence-driven safety model may set a precedent for other school systems looking to enhance security protocols. Nonetheless, the relationship between the Cobb County school board and the superintendent has come under fire, being characterized by what some see as an imbalance of power and a lack of transparent communication regarding safety strategies.
Conclusion
The continued implementation of advanced security measures in Cobb County schools represents a crucial step towards addressing safety concerns in educational environments. As the district navigates the complexities of surveillance, safety technology, and community trust, it remains to be seen how these initiatives will shape the future of school security in Georgia and beyond.
FAQ
What security measures are being implemented in Cobb County schools?
Cobb County schools are incorporating the CENTEGIX Safety Platform, which includes solutions like CrisisAlert, Safety Blueprint, and Visitor Management systems.
Why has CENTEGIX seen such significant growth?
The company’s growth can be attributed to its innovative safety solutions that indicate strong demand for enhanced security in schools and other facilities.
What services does CrisisAlert provide?
CrisisAlert provides wearable panic buttons that enable educators and staff to send real-time alerts during emergencies.
How much is Cobb County spending on the Servius Group for school safety analysis?
The Cobb County School District is allocating nearly $2.6 million to the Servius Group for this initiative.
What are the main criticisms of Cobb County’s safety measures?
Critics express concerns over the lack of transparency and ethics regarding the data collection on students without public discussions.
How will these security measures influence other school systems?
Superintendent Ragsdale believes that Cobb’s intelligence-based safety model could serve as an example for other districts, encouraging them to adopt similar initiatives.
Key Features of CENTEGIX Safety Solutions
| Feature | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| CrisisAlert | Wearable panic buttons for real-time alerts | Enhances immediate response during emergencies |
| Safety Blueprint | Dynamic mapping and asset-tagging capabilities | Improves situational awareness and resource management |
| Visitor Management | Streamlined visitor check-in and tracking | Increases safety and accountability in school access |
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Additional Resources
- WSB TV: Centegix Now Used in 90 Georgia Schools
- AJC: Cobb Quietly Commits Millions for School Safety
- Atlanta News First: Cobb County Superintendent Visits Classrooms
- East Cobb News: Cobb Students Go Back to School
- Atlanta News First: Cobb County Schools Hire Security Company
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Google Search: School Safety
- Google Scholar: School Safety Measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Google News: School Safety Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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