My involvement in school safety started when I was still working in education. My thirty-year career began with me as an eighth-grade science teacher and ended with being the district safety director. I am starting my 12th year as the President and CEO of a risk management company working with schools, businesses, healthcare organizations, and Houses of Worship to protect their facilities and stakeholders from harm and reduce liabilities.
I am often asked what it is like for organizations looking to make improvements. Is it more like a sprint or a marathon?
If the truth be told, it is more like running forever on a treadmill…
And the treadmill is covered with Legos…
And you are running barefoot…
My work in the K-12 world has significantly changed. In the early days, much of our time was spent on the lone gunman who evolved into the Active Shooter and is now seen as the Active Threat. We focused on response more than prevention. We have seen ‘safety experts’ create realistic drills that traumatize students and staff. One group advocated for students to keep a can of vegetables at their desks to throw at threats and would shoot at teachers with airsoft guns on Professional Development days. Whether your school is handling school safety internally or with the help of a consultant, it is important to make sure your focus meets today’s needs.
In this blog post, I will detail how the following ten topics have changed to ensure your School Safety Professional’s efforts aren’t stuck in the past:
4. Mental Health and Well-Being
Expanded Focus on Threats
Past
Initially, school safety professionals primarily focused on physical safety, such as fire drills, lockdown procedures, and basic emergency response protocols.
Present
The role now encompasses a broader range of threats, including cyberbullying, online safety, mental health crises, active shooter situations, and natural disasters. The emphasis has shifted from just physical security to also include emotional and psychological safety.
Integration of Technology
Past
School safety plans relied heavily on manual processes and face-to-face communication. Â The use of technology was minimal.
Present
Technology plays a crucial role in modern school safety. Â Safety professionals now need to be well-versed in surveillance systems, cybersecurity, social media monitoring, and the use of emergency communication apps. Â The rise of data analytics also allows us to predict and mitigate risks more effectively.
Collaboration Efforts
Past
The role was often siloed, with safety professionals working independently or only with school administrators.
Present
Modern School Safety Professionals work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including law enforcement, mental health professionals, parents, and students. Â This collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach to safety that addresses multiple dimensions of student well-being.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Past
The focus on mental health in school safety was minimal, with more attention given to external threats.
Present
There’s a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in maintaining a safe school environment. Â Safety professionals are now trained to recognize signs of mental distress and work closely with counselors to prevent issues like bullying, self-harm, and suicide.
Crisis Management and Preparedness
Past
Crisis management often involved reactive measures, with minimal planning or practice beyond basic drills.
Present
There’s a greater emphasis on proactive crisis management, including comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, regular training exercises, and post-incident recovery strategies. Â Safety professionals now ensure that schools are prepared for a wide array of scenarios.
Policy and Compliance
Past
The role involved ensuring compliance with basic safety regulations and school district policies.
Present
Technology plays a crucial role in modern school safety. Â Safety professionals now need to be well-versed in surveillance systems, cybersecurity, social media monitoring, and the use of emergency communication apps. Â The rise of data analytics also allows us to predict and mitigate risks more effectively.
Cultural Competency
Past
Cultural sensitivity and diversity were not major considerations in the safety plans.
Present
Safety professionals now incorporate cultural competency into their safety strategies, recognizing that students come from diverse backgrounds with different needs. This includes addressing issues such as racial equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and language barriers in safety planning.
Training and Education
Past
Training was often limited to staff and focused on basic emergency procedures.
Present
Comprehensive training programs are now designed for students, staff, and even parents. Â These programs include not only physical safety measures but also digital literacy, mental health awareness, and conflict resolution skills.
Community Involvement
Past
Safety plans were typically confined within the school environment.
Present
There is greater involvement of the broader community in school safety initiatives. Â Safety professionals engage with local businesses, community organizations, and emergency services to create a more integrated and supportive safety network.
Focus on Prevention
Past
The role of the School Safety Professional was more reactive, focusing on responding to incidents as they occurred.
Present
There’s a stronger emphasis on prevention, with Safety Professionals working to identify potential risks before they escalate.  This includes early intervention programs, behavioral threat assessments, and creating a positive school culture that discourages violence and promotes respect.
The role of a School Safety Professional has grown in complexity and importance, adapting to the changing needs of schools and the broader society.
Look at what your school is doing today:
Are you stuck in the past?
Or are you moving forward with the future?
Get In Touch
Are your School Safety efforts stuck in the past or moving forward with the future?
What challenges do you face modernizing your School Safety Plans?
