Attorney General Steve Marshall has presented the 2025 Safe School Award to Eastwood Elementary School in Decatur, Alabama. The award recognizes schools that have shown excellence in implementing safety plans and identifying trends in school safety.
“Out of more than 1,500 public and private schools in our state, it is an honor to recognize Eastwood Elementary School as one of only nine schools selected for an Alabama Safe School Award,” Attorney General Marshall said. “Today we honor the success stories that enhance public safety and foster strong and vibrant communities.”
During the event, Marshall highlighted the school’s proactive and compassionate approach to student safety. Judges noted Eastwood Elementary’s partnerships with local agencies and its participation in the Handle with Care initiative. This program allows staff to receive timely notifications about community incidents that may affect students, enabling them to support children who display unusual behavior. Additionally, Computer-Aided Dispatch alerts for incidents within 500 yards of campus help ensure immediate awareness and response.
The selection process involved a comprehensive application reviewed by independent judges experienced in school safety trends. Schools were evaluated on their ability to improve protocols through preparation and training, collaboration with emergency agencies, use of resource officers or security personnel, implementation of safety technology, community involvement, and education related to law and prevention.
Nine schools across Alabama received the Safe School Award this year: ACCEL Academy (Mobile), Orange Beach Middle & High School (Orange Beach), Northside High School (Northport), Beauregard Elementary School (Opelika), Allen Thornton 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). Four additional schools were recognized with letters and certificates for exceeding minimum state requirements regarding student learning, mental health, and safety.
The Alabama Attorney General office acts as the state’s chief law enforcement agency, providing legal representation across all counties and focusing on initiatives that reduce violent crime while supporting victims. Steve Marshall has served as Alabama’s forty-eighth Attorney General since February 2017 and has led efforts to influence policy through high-profile legal cases.