Lake Oconee Academy recently received a security assessment from Chris Swecker, whose past security experience includes working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the assistant director of the criminal investigations division.
Swecker led the FBI in the capture of the 1996 Summer Olympics bomber and the raid of a Hezbollah financial cell, and he brought his expertise to LOA to review the school’s security strengths and weaknesses.
Those results were presented during the Board of Governors’ March 31 meeting.
According to Executive Director Dr. Brad Bowling, Swecker spent three days on LOA’s campus and went through a “very thorough” process to assess the school’s security.
“This review found that LOA incorporates the essential elements of a security program and is effective and efficient in protecting staff, visitors, and students. There are numerous best practices and security technologies in use,” read a conclusion presented at the board meeting. “This review determined that the executive director and the Board of Governors have fully supported the program, providing critical leadership from the top. LOA has built a security program in which parents, students, staff, faculty, and the Board of Trustees can have full confidence.”
Swecker’s review recommended improvements and enhancements such as closing the campus during school hours, upgrading fencing or gating, adding an additional school resource officer, and expediting the construction of the new middle school.
During the March 31 meeting, the Board of Governors created a security committee, which will prioritize key recommendations in hopes of getting them implemented by next school year.