DALLAS, Ga. — Every school in the Paulding County School District has been recognized for its commitment to campus safety after all 34 schools received the Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness for the 2025–2026 school year, a statewide designation honoring comprehensive emergency planning in Georgia schools.
District officials announced the recognition in late February, highlighting the achievement as a districtwide effort involving school administrators, safety teams and local emergency partners.
Recognition for safety planning
The Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness is awarded through a partnership between the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS). Schools must demonstrate detailed emergency preparedness strategies and safety planning in order to receive the designation.
The program evaluates how schools prepare for a range of potential emergencies — from severe weather and natural disasters to security threats and other safety risks. Participating schools must document emergency operations plans, conduct safety drills, and implement risk-reduction strategies designed to protect students and staff.
Officials say the recognition reflects a proactive, “all hazards” approach to campus safety that emphasizes planning, training and coordination with local emergency responders.
Districtwide achievement
The Paulding County School District, headquartered in Dallas, operates 34 schools serving thousands of students across the county, including elementary, middle and high schools.
Earning the designation across every campus marks a rare districtwide accomplishment, underscoring what school leaders describe as a long-standing focus on student and staff safety.
District officials say achieving the seal required collaboration among school administrators, safety coordinators and community partners to ensure each campus met the state’s preparedness standards.
Impact on students and families
While the designation does not change daily classroom operations, education leaders say it provides reassurance to families and the broader community that schools have comprehensive safety plans in place.
Emergency preparedness efforts can include coordinated response plans with local law enforcement and first responders, improved safety training for staff and regular emergency drills for students.
School officials say those measures are designed to ensure that campuses are prepared to respond quickly and effectively if emergencies occur.
Building confidence in school safety
Across Georgia, the Ready Georgia program aims to promote a culture of preparedness and safety in communities statewide. The initiative encourages schools and residents to take proactive steps to prepare for disasters and emergencies.
For parents in Paulding County, district leaders say the recognition reinforces a broader goal: ensuring that schools remain safe environments where students can focus on learning.
With all 34 campuses now holding the seal for the upcoming school year, Paulding County officials say the district plans to continue strengthening safety planning and emergency preparedness efforts in the years ahead.
