The McMinnville School Board has taken significant steps to enhance safety protocols across its schools, focusing on improved communication and emergency response systems. During their meeting on November 4, 2024, board members discussed the implementation of a new emergency notification app called SaferWatch, which aims to streamline communication during critical incidents.

The SaferWatch app will allow staff to quickly alert law enforcement and emergency services with the press of a button, significantly reducing response times during emergencies. This system is designed to automatically call 911 and notify Yamhill communications, ensuring that first responders are informed and mobilized swiftly. The board emphasized the importance of having a unified system across Yamhill County, which will facilitate better coordination among local law enforcement and emergency services.

In addition to the app, the board is working on integrating external speakers in elementary schools to ensure that lockdown announcements can be heard on playgrounds during recess. This measure aims to enhance student safety by ensuring that all children are informed of emergencies without delay.

The meeting also highlighted the need for ongoing training for staff to familiarize them with the new protocols and the proper use of the SaferWatch app. Board members acknowledged that the effectiveness of the system relies heavily on staff understanding and correctly implementing the emergency procedures.

Overall, these initiatives reflect the school board's commitment to creating a safer environment for students and staff, addressing potential threats proactively, and ensuring that all schools are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. As these systems are rolled out, the board plans to continue collaborating with local law enforcement to refine their emergency response strategies and ensure community safety.