As some schools begin to reopen and others start planning for next year, student and staff safety need to remain top of mind, and administrators need the right solutions in place to keep risks of all kinds at bay. However, these solutions must be flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances, while still executing clear communication and quick response to reduce school safety risks.
The Denver Board of Education voted to reduce the number of police officers assigned to schools by 25% by the end of the calendar year and to end its partnership with the Denver Police Department.
Across the country, school districts are working to increase the security of their entryways, including windows and doors, to give occupants time to take cover and local law enforcement time to respond in the event there is an active shooter or some other form of violence.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has drafted a 17-page document that details interim guidance on how businesses, schools, churches, mass transit and other organizations should handle safely reopening to the public amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Forney, Texas Independent School District (ISD) appointed Joseph Sanders as the Director of Safety and Security - another step toward creating an in-house police department.
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from school violence.
