Marietta Public Schools in southern Oklahoma has installed “Go to Green,” a safety system designed to quickly identify threats and guide students and staff to safety during emergencies.
The system uses gunshot detection sensors, LED pathway lights and real-time notifications to create a clear pathway to safety.
“We’re trying to change the paradigm of the active shooter. Most people are focused on the shooter, but we want to focus on the people. We’re trying to get them away from him as fast as we can,” Ernie Williams, CEO of Go to Green, said.
Once a gunshot is detected, lights throughout the building immediately change colors, with green pathways directing students and staff toward safety.
“We are constantly looking at being on the cutting edge of how we can keep our kids safe,” Marietta Public Schools Superintendent Brandi Naylor said.
The decision to invest in the system came after school leaders witnessed a demonstration at a Texas school. The technology also assists law enforcement by identifying the nearest entry point with exterior lights and guiding officers directly toward the threat using interior blue and red indicators.
“Time being saved is a lifesaver. So, it just cuts down our response time,” Marietta police Chief Brett Harris said.
Developers say the system continues to evolve and can also be used for medical emergencies, fires and other critical incidents. However, its primary mission remains creating a clear pathway to safety when every second matters.
“The biggest thing is your pathway to safety. I really want to get that out there. We need to start worrying for our children and our staff members. Everybody wants to talk about the shooter. Let’s talk about getting people to safety,” Williams said.
Marietta Public Schools is among the first districts in Oklahoma to partner with Go to Green. School leaders plan to continue evaluating the technology as it becomes fully operational across campus.