Recent news has shown that school safety is a vital part of the education system. Both of the local schools have well trained SRO staffs that are sworn law enforcement officers. The Orange Beach School District even received an award recently from the State.

Orange Beach City Schools has received statewide recognition for its dedication to school safety, with Orange Beach Middle High School earning the Alabama Attorney General’s Safe Schools Award and Orange Beach Elementary School being honored with the Silver Model of Enhanced School Safety Award. These accolades highlight the district’s steadfast efforts to ensure a secure and supportive learning environment for all students.

The Alabama Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative involves a rigorous four-phase application and review process designed to assess and enhance school safety protocols. The process evaluates emergency preparedness, collaboration with local agencies, training initiatives, and the integration of advanced safety technology. Schools achieving recognition have demonstrated exceptional efforts in these areas, showcasing their dedication to safeguarding students and staff.

Orange Beach Middle High School joins a distinguished list of recipients for the 2024 Safe Schools Award, which includes:

• UMS-Wright Preparatory School, Mobile
• Ladonia Elementary School, Phenix City
• Russellville Elementary School, Russellville
• Cullman City Primary School, Cullman
• Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana

In addition to these award-winning schools, eight additional schools exceeded the minimum state requirements and exhibited dedication to higher standards for student learning, mental health, and safety. These schools were recognized with a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Attorney General, highlighting their commitment to creating safer and more supportive learning Environments.

Attorney General Steve Marshall praised the honorees, stating:

“The safety of our schoolchildren is always on the forefront of our minds and hearts. That is why it is important to highlight and promote the innovative efforts to improve student safety through the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative. These six schools have developed innovative programs and taken practical, effective steps to combat the threat of violence that has become a terrible part of our modern society. Their dedication and resolve to provide a safe environment for learning is an inspiration to us all. I look forward to continuing to spotlight the best school safety ideas for school administrators, resource officers, parents, and students.”

Orange Beach Middle High School’s achievement highlights its exemplary practices across all safety criteria, from proactive emergency planning to meaningful partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency response teams. Similarly, Orange Beach Elementary School’s Silver Model award recognizes its outstanding strides in mentoring programs, preventive education, and community engagement.

Superintendent Randy Wilkes expressed his pride in the school's accomplishments: "These awards reflect the dedication and collaborative spirit of our students, educators, staff, and local partners.

Safety is a shared priority, and these recognitions affirm our commitment to protecting our students and providing them with a secure environment to learn and thrive.”

Orange Beach City Schools extends its gratitude to everyone involved in this achievement and looks forward to building on this momentum to set even higher standards for school safety.

Attorney General Marshall will present the Safe School Award to Orange Beach Middle School on February 5, 2025, at 10 AM. More information is forthcoming.