Graphic celebrating Dalton Public Schools earning the Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness. The headline reads ā€œExcellence in Emergency Preparedness ā€“ All Ten Schools Honored ā€“ Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness.ā€ A black banner states the districtā€™s ā€œCommitment to Safety, Preparedness, and Proactive Planning in collaboration with local emergency agencies.ā€ The image features students of various ages and a school resource officer across the top, the Dalton Public Schools logo at the bottom left, the Ready Georgia Seal in the center, and Georgia emergency management and Department of Education logos at the bottom right.

Dalton Public Schools Earn Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness

Kendra Pannell

February 17, 2026

Dalton, GA ā€“ Dalton Public Schools is proud to announce that all 10 schools in the district have earned the prestigious Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness, awarded by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) in collaboration with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS).

The Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness recognizes schools that have gone above and beyond in the area of emergency preparedness. The seal indicates that a school has taken initiative to improve safety through extensive planning and risk mitigation efforts.

Schools earning the seal must meet rigorous criteria in several critical areas, including emergency operations planning, drills and exercises, staff training, security interventions, technology, and data analysis. The application process requires detailed documentation demonstrating:

  • Approved and regularly updated emergency operations plans

  • Consistent fire, severe weather, and intruder alert drills

  • Staff participation in multiple safety-related trainings

  • Partnerships with local law enforcement and documented safety protocols

  • Strategic use of security technology and cybersecurity safeguards

  • Analysis of school climate and discipline data to proactively identify and mitigate risks

Applications were reviewed this year by representatives from the Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Office of Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

ā€œThis recognition reflects the intentional work happening in every one of our schools,ā€ said Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft. ā€œSafety is foundational to student learning. Our administrators, teachers, and safety teams consistently prioritize preparation, communication, and collaboration to ensure our schools are ready to respond in any situation.ā€

Jeff Wells, Director of Safety and Transportation for Dalton Public Schools, emphasized the team effort behind the achievement.

ā€œThis doesnā€™t happen by accident,ā€ Wells said. ā€œOur schools put in the time ā€” running drills, reviewing plans, training staff, working closely with first responders. Weā€™re constantly looking at what we can improve. Earning this seal at all 10 schools shows just how seriously our district takes keeping students and staff safe.ā€

The Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness is an annual, school-level application process, with applications opening in September and award announcements made in February.

For Dalton Public Schools, earning the seal at all 10 schools highlights the districtā€™s comprehensive and proactive approach to safety ā€” from emergency planning and Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Teams to ongoing staff training and strong partnerships with local agencies.

Dalton Public Schools remains committed to maintaining safe, secure, and supportive learning environments for all students.

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