During a recent Derby School Board meeting, officials unveiled plans to pilot two innovative software tools aimed at enhancing safety, security, and efficiency within local schools. The first tool, SlideSoft, is a behavioral threat assessment application designed to streamline the evaluation process for potential threats. Officer Liston and school administrators believe that Derby High School, with its robust support staff, is the ideal location for this pilot program. The tool incorporates the Columbia risk assessment, recommended by social workers, and allows designated team members to access and analyze data remotely, improving communication and tracking over time.

The second tool, Hall Pass, is set to replace the current visitor management system, Safe Visitor, at Derby Hills Elementary. This software aims to improve efficiency during high-traffic events, such as school parties, by implementing a kiosk system for visitor check-ins. The pilot will gather feedback from families and staff to assess its effectiveness before considering a broader rollout across all elementary schools.

Both pilot programs are being introduced at no cost to the district, reflecting a proactive approach to enhancing school safety and operational efficiency. The School Board is eager to evaluate the outcomes and gather insights from the community as these initiatives unfold.