A new emergency voice alert system is set to enhance safety at Coffee County High School and Raider Academy, following a recent school board meeting. The system, which will be installed between the baseball and softball fields at the high school and between the soccer and football fields at Raider Academy, will provide critical weather warnings without the use of traditional sirens.

The initiative, funded through a grant being written by the Manchester Fire Department, aims to deliver timely alerts for tornado warnings and other severe weather conditions directly to students and staff. Notably, this project does not require board approval, allowing for swift implementation. However, concerns were raised about the lack of similar systems in other schools within the county, highlighting a disparity in safety measures across the district.

In addition to the emergency system, the board also addressed a budget amendment related to state funding for post-secondary testing and services for students in juvenile detention. This amendment, which is a procedural requirement, does not impact the district's overall budget balance.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to student safety and fiscal responsibility, with board members expressing support for both initiatives. As the district moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that all schools have access to essential safety resources.