The Appleton Area School District (AASD) Board Meeting on November 25, 2024, highlighted significant updates regarding school safety protocols, emphasizing the district's commitment to ensuring a secure environment for students and staff.

A key focus of the meeting was the compliance with Wisconsin's Act 143, which mandates that schools conduct safety drills and maintain comprehensive safety plans. Each school in the district is required to submit an emergency management form annually, detailing emergency contacts, evacuation procedures, and safety drill assessments. This year, all schools updated their safety plans by November 24, ensuring they meet state requirements.

The board discussed the importance of regular safety drills, including ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols, which are practiced in both fall and spring. These drills are tailored to the specific needs of each school level, with distinct approaches for elementary, middle, and high schools. The administration is tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of these drills and identifying areas for improvement.

Another critical aspect of the meeting was the collaboration with local law enforcement. The district maintains a strong relationship with the Appleton and Grand Chute police departments, which includes regular safety assessments and the involvement of School Resource Officers (SROs) in safety planning. This partnership is vital for ensuring that law enforcement is well-prepared to respond to emergencies, with ongoing discussions about enhancing access to school security cameras for police during crises.

Concerns were raised about the aging technology used for school security, particularly the need to replace outdated cameras installed as far back as 2014. The board acknowledged the necessity of upgrading this technology to maintain effective safety measures in the coming years.

In conclusion, the AASD Board Meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to school safety, highlighting ongoing efforts to comply with state regulations, enhance collaboration with law enforcement, and improve safety technology. These initiatives are crucial for fostering a secure learning environment for all students in the Appleton community.