From Battlefield to School Hallways: Oklahoma District Adopts Veteran-Designed Safety System

MARIETTA, OK – February 17, 2026 – Marietta Public School District has become the first school system in Oklahoma to implement the Go To Green (GTG) security system, a proactive safety and emergency communication platform designed with insights from military combat experience. The technology is now fully operational across the district's three schools, impacting the daily safety protocols for approximately 1,050 students from preschool through high school.

The installation marks a significant milestone for the Texas-based technology firm Go To Green and represents a growing trend among educational institutions to invest in advanced, dynamic security measures that go beyond traditional lockdown drills and static cameras. The system aims to provide clear, intuitive guidance during high-stress emergencies, a challenge that has long plagued crisis response planning.

A Proactive Stance on Student Safety

For Marietta Public Schools, the decision to adopt this technology was a deliberate move to transform safety from a policy statement into a tangible reality. Superintendent Brandi Naylor emphasized the district's commitment to being a leader in proactive preparedness.

"Too often, 'the safety of our students and staff is our top priority' is treated as a talking point," Naylor stated. "In Marietta Schools, we are committed to making it a lived reality for our community. The Go To Green system represents that commitment—taking intentional, proactive steps to ensure we are prepared, responsive, and accountable when it matters most."

This proactive stance aligns with a broader push for enhanced school security across Oklahoma. The state has recently implemented several key initiatives, including Alyssa's Law, which mandates the use of mobile panic alert systems, and the Oklahoma School and Campus Safety Security Grant Program (OSSG), which provides significant funding for security upgrades. Furthermore, state law now requires all school sites to undergo comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessments by July 2026. Marietta's adoption of the GTG system places it at the vanguard of this statewide movement, demonstrating a practical application of the principles these new policies endorse.

Superintendent Naylor, whose leadership was previously noted following a devastating tornado in 2024, underscored the importance of forward-thinking planning. "While we hope to never face the worst-case scenario, responsible leadership requires that we plan thoroughly and equip our schools with tools that strengthen safety, communication, and trust," she added.

From Combat Experience to Classroom Protection

The Go To Green system was born not in a boardroom, but from the real-world crisis-response experience of its founder, decorated Marine veteran Ernie Williams. The platform was engineered to counteract the confusion and paralysis that can occur during an emergency by providing unambiguous, life-saving direction.

Unlike passive security measures, the system is a dynamic evacuation tool. It utilizes a network of sensors, cameras, and specialized software integrated with overhead lighting. In an active threat scenario—be it an active shooter, environmental event, or severe weather—the system identifies the location of the danger and illuminates a clear, safe exit path in green. Simultaneously, it uses red lighting to mark the threat area, guiding first responders directly to the source of the crisis while steering occupants away from it. This dual-functionality is designed to reduce evacuation times and improve the efficiency of emergency response.

"The implementation of Go To Green in Marietta Public Schools represents a pivotal milestone for our company and for the future of school safety," said Williams. "As the first district in Oklahoma to adopt our system, Marietta is demonstrating forward-thinking leadership and setting a powerful precedent for what proactive safety can look like."

The Business of Security: High-Profile Investors Fuel Growth

The rapid expansion of Go To Green, which has now outfitted 12 schools nationwide, is fueled by more than just innovative technology; it is also backed by significant strategic investment. The company gained national attention after securing an investment from O'Leary Ventures, the venture capital firm led by renowned entrepreneur and "Shark Tank" investor Kevin "Mr. Wonderful" O'Leary. The investment was made via the Wonder Fund North Dakota, a $45 million state-sponsored fund managed by O'Leary's firm.

This high-profile backing is complemented by financing and strategic support from Acorn Capital Management, a private equity firm specializing in the Aerospace, Defense, Space, and Intelligence sectors. The involvement of these investors highlights a major trend in the education security market, which is projected to grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry within the next decade. Investors are increasingly drawn to companies that offer scalable, technologically advanced solutions to the critical and unmet need for better public safety.

The support from O'Leary and Acorn provides Go To Green with not only capital but also immense credibility and operational expertise, helping it navigate a competitive landscape and scale its operations nationally. This financial and strategic foundation is crucial as more school districts, driven by public concern and new state mandates, seek out proven and effective security upgrades.

As Go To Green continues its expansion, the partnership with Marietta serves as a key case study. "This partnership not only enhances safety for Marietta's students and staff but also serves as a catalyst for continued installations and meaningful growth across Oklahoma and beyond," Williams explained. "Go To Green is your pathway to safety." The successful deployment in Oklahoma signals a new chapter for the company and for the communities it aims to protect, offering a clear, illuminated path forward in the complex challenge of ensuring school safety.