Georgetown, South Carolina, August 5, 2025
News Summary
As the new school year begins, Georgetown County and Williamsburg County Schools are implementing significant safety measures and leadership changes. With new superintendents at the helm, both districts prioritize student achievement and community engagement. Notable safety enhancements include metal detectors at schools and a new threat assessment system. Additionally, new initiatives aim to combat bullying and improve student well-being through the hiring of more counselors and healthier lunch options. These steps reflect a commitment to fostering secure and supportive educational environments for approximately 8,000 students.
Georgetown, South Carolina – The new school year has commenced for approximately 8,000 students in both Georgetown County and Williamsburg Counties, marking them among the first districts on the South Carolina coast to return from summer recess. Both districts have adopted a year-round modified calendar to create additional breaks in October and February.
In Williamsburg County, the School District is now under the leadership of Interim Superintendent Dr. Angela Jacobs, who was appointed by the South Carolina Department of Education in July. Dr. Jacobs is stepping into the role with a strong background in educational leadership, prioritizing student achievement and fostering community engagement, succeeding Dr. Kelvin Wymbs.
Meanwhile, the Georgetown County School District has welcomed Superintendent Dr. Bethany Giles, who previously served as the interim superintendent and has now taken on the permanent position for the school year.
Enhanced Safety Measures in Georgetown County
The Georgetown County School District has initiated several new measures aimed at enhancing student safety. One of the significant changes is the installation of metal detectors at all middle and high schools to help address threats and bullying. Additionally, each school in the district will be staffed with a school resource officer (SRO) to further ensure student security.
Another critical development includes the establishment of a new threat assessment system that enables immediate reporting and evaluation of potential threats. This is complemented by new procedures for threat reporting, which will enable school administration to act swiftly, potentially involving law enforcement when necessary.
As part of its commitment to promoting a safe andhealthy environment, the Georgetown County School District has declared itself a vape-free zone. New training programs for staff have been introduced alongside lessons designed to educate students about the risks associated with vaping. Moreover, strict expectations have been set for student-athletes regarding vaping, along with rehabilitation measures for those who violate these guidelines.
Addressing Bullying and Behavioral Issues
The district has also unveiled a new bullying report system to streamline the reporting process for teachers, students, parents, and community members. This initiative aims to promote greater transparency in communications with the district. Following several school threats last year, a safety sub-committee was formed to focus on effective training and better emergency communication protocols.
According to reports from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s office, there were 282 incidents last academic year, and the district is taking a zero-tolerance approach towards bad behavior, including bullying. Superintendent Giles indicated that enhanced training protocols for teachers and staff regarding metal detectors and classroom security practices have been implemented for the current school year.
Supporting Student Well-being
This year, the district is also focusing on student well-being, having hired additional counselors and improved training efforts to better support students in need. This follows a challenging year marked by the loss of six students to tragic events, reinforcing the commitment to resilience and community strength.
To enhance overall learning conditions, the Georgetown County School District has reported fewer than ten teaching vacancies this year. The school board has approved competitive salary increases for teachers and staff, which is expected to attract and retain educational talent.
As students return to classrooms, they will also benefit from new lunch options, which are designed to promote healthier dietary choices as part of a broader initiative to enhance student wellness.
Conclusion
With these significant changes in leadership and safety protocols, both Georgetown and Williamsburg County School Districts are poised to navigate the new school year with a focus on student safety, academic achievement, and community engagement. The emphasis on mental health and resilience in the face of previous challenges denotes an important step forward for both districts as they continue to build safe and supportive educational environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety measures have been implemented in Georgetown County Schools?
The Georgetown County School District has installed metal detectors in all middle and high schools, introduced a new threat assessment system, and deployed a school resource officer at each school.
Who is the new superintendent of the Williamsburg County School District?
The Williamsburg County School District is currently led by Interim Superintendent Dr. Angela Jacobs, who was appointed in July.
Is the Georgetown County School District addressing bullying?
Yes, the district has established a new bullying report system and is employing a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and bad behavior.
What initiatives are being taken to promote student well-being?
The district has hired additional counselors and is focusing on mental health support, alongside new training programs for staff to better assist students.
Key Features of the New School Year
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadership Changes | Dr. Angela Jacobs appointed in Williamsburg County; Dr. Bethany Giles is now permanent superintendent in Georgetown County. |
| Safety Measures | Installation of metal detectors and the implementation of a threat assessment system; each school has an SRO. |
| Bullying Policies | Introduction of a new anti-bullying report system; zero-tolerance policy for bullying. |
| Student Support | Hiring of additional counselors and training programs focusing on mental health and resilience. |
| Health Initiatives | New lunch options promoting healthy choices; designated vape-free environment. |
| Teacher Staffing | Fewer than ten vacancies; approved salary increases to retain and attract educators. |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Georgetown County Schools Go Vape-Free
- WMBF News: Sheriff Focused on Safety
- Community Impact: Nest Empowerment Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown County
- Count on 2: Superintendent Talks Safety Measures
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