Northside High And Woodland Forest Win State Safety Honors

Two area schools have been recognized by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office with School Safety Awards. One is in the Tuscaloosa County School System, the other in the Tuscaloosa City School System.

• Northside High School in Samantha is one of nine 2025 Safe School Award winners from across the state.
• Woodland Forest Elementary in the Tuscaloosa City School System took home the 2025 Silver Model of Enhanced School Safety Award. The enhanced award is in recognition of schools that exceeded the minimum state requirements and exhibited dedication to higher standards for student learning, mental health, and safety.

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The selection procedure featured a comprehensive four phase application and review process by highly educated judges who have skill and knowledge in school safety trends. Each school received a congratulatory letter from General Marshall and a certificate for display.

“I believe safety at Woodland Forrest starts with culture, something we work to cultivate each and every day,” said WFES Principal Teresa Bivens. “To know we are one of three schools selected across the state is a testament to our incredible staff and faculty, our involved parents, and our amazing students. We will continue to go above and beyond to ensure our kids are in a safe place while learning and growing.”

“Through the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative, we are proud to recognize schools that are leading the way with innovative, proactive approaches to student safety. This year’s winners have formulated and simulated critical collaboration that demonstrates a strong commitment to creating secure environments where learning can thrive,” Attorney General Marshall stated in the press release announcing the winners. “Their dedication sets a powerful example, and I look forward to continuing to highlight effective school safety strategies for administrators, school resource officers, parents, and students across Alabama.”

Alabama school safety plan procedures require local boards of education to adopt comprehensive emergency operation plans (EOPs) to handle threats to students and staff. Key mandates include annual updates, regular safety drills (fire, weather, lockdown), staff training, partnerships with law enforcement, safety inspections and updated campus maps every five years. 

Tuscaloosa County is the only county in the state to have multiple winners from city and county systems.