For Immediate Release:
February 26, 2026
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Northport, Ala.) – Attorney General Steve Marshall today presented a 2025 Safe School Award to Northside High School in Northport, Alabama. The award provides the opportunity to recognize the excellent implementation of safety plans and identify current trends in school safety.
“Out of over 1,500 public and private schools in our state, it is an honor to recognize Northside High School as one of only nine schools to be selected for an Alabama Safe School Award. and has implemented secure exterior access that allows items to be dropped off without entering the building,” Attorney General Marshall said. “Today we honor the thoughtful planning and strong partnerships that help ensure the safety of its students.”
During the presentation Attorney General Marshall noted, “Northside build dedicated advisory time into its daily schedule to support a campus-wide CPR initiative, placing it on track to ensure all students are CPR trained by May. They have also implemented a secure exterior access point that allows items to be dropped off without entering the building which significantly enhances campus security while maintaining conveniences for families. These bold measures reflect Northside’s strong culture of safety, preparedness, and care for every student.”
The selection process featured a comprehensive application and review process by a panel of independent judges who possess real-world insight into school safety trends. All applicants were evaluated in their ability to enhance safe school protocols through preparation and training; collaboration with local emergency response agencies; involvement of school resource officer or alternate security personnel; structure and innovation of safety technology, community participation; and law-related and prevention education.
Applicants from across Alabama applied for the 2025 Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative. The highest award, the Safe School Award was awarded to nine schools. Attorney General Marshall will present each of the following schools with the awards for their incredible achievements: ACCEL Academy, Mobile; Orange Beach Middle & High School, Orange Beach; Northside High School, Northport; Beauregard Elementary School, Opelika; Allen Thorton Career Technical Center, Killen; Cullman City Primary School, Cullman; Eastwood Elementary School, Decatur; Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana; and Harriette W. Gwin Elementary School, Hoover.
An additional four schools exceeded the minimum state requirements and exhibited dedication to higher standards for student learning, mental health, and safety. These schools were recognized by receiving a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Attorney General.
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