11 steps to build the foundation of a school security and safety program

More than ever, we need engaged leadership, a clear vision, community engagement, dedicated funding and resources and energy to reset our mindset around school security and safety. The events of countless schools like Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland and now Uvalde have brought school security and safety to the forefront of people’s minds in the U.S. and globally. These tragic and devastating attacks tear at the very fabric of our society.

As the events unfolded in Uvalde, it became clear that the most critical action we can take is to change the mindset associated with the development and support of school security programs. This shift must be backed by adequate budgets for creating and maintaining security programs that give administrators, staff, teachers, first responders and students confidence that all resources are being leveraged to provide the safest environment possible. People need to acknowledge that “it could happen here” and stop relying on the “it will never happen here” model.

Most recently, Texas Governor Abbott directed The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to conduct comprehensive safety reviews of all Texas schools, including unannounced random intruder detection audits. The entire directive includes the following five points:

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