Reimagining Students’ Future Through Holistic School Safety Action

As an educator and former school administrator responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of children, I can attest there is no greater fear than your students and faculty being in danger. 

As school shootings and violent threats continue to spike across the nation, school districts are confronted with the unavoidable question of how to best reduce, prevent, and respond to emergency situations, particularly those involving active shooters. Having worked in the Brentwood School District for 14 years, I am fortunate to have never experienced such a tragedy, but many cannot say the same. 

Preventative measures have largely spanned the implementation of door locks, metal detectors, surveillance, security guards, active shooter drills, and anonymous reporting tools. The inclusion of school security guards specialized in an academic environment and updated technological response systems within our communities may aid in strengthening schools’ response to emergency situations.