Rockville Centre board opens public hearing on districtwide safety plan; committee and security partner cited

The Rockville Centre Union Free School District Board of Education opened a public hearing April 23 on the districtwide safety plan, a summary document staff said will undergo a 30‑day public review before final adoption.

John Murphy, staff member, presented the plan and said it is "a plain language version" of more detailed, confidential building‑level emergency protocols and that "there's a 30 day waiting period after the Board receives it tonight and reviews it for the public, after which they can adopt it after 30 days." Murphy said building plans contain individualized staffing details that remain confidential for safety reasons.

Superintendent Gavin emphasized the district’s increased focus on preventive measures, noting recent programs and teams that inform the plan. Murphy highlighted the district’s ‘‘Behavioral Threat Assessment Team’’ and referenced the Workplace Violence Prevention Law and the Department of Homeland Security as part of the broader context for recent changes. He told the board that much of the update is language and consistency work intended to ensure that educators, police and other emergency responders use common terminology.

During public comment, Jeff Greenfield, identifying himself as a resident and taxpayer, asked when the district began working with a new security firm and whether all persons employed in security roles hold required credentials. Murphy said the district hired Covert Investigation and that Eric Kramer, a security partner, has been involved in review and vetting. Murphy replied to Mr. Greenfield’s question about credentials: "It's been enforced. I'm not sure it's been enforced. Okay. But it will be enforced. Yes, sir." Greenfield urged continued enforcement going forward.

Board members thanked committee members and staff and asked for confirmation that professional development and training tailored for students with disabilities and other needs are part of preventive work. Murphy and others described ongoing, evolving staff training and said the district will continue aligning drills and de‑escalation training with best practices.

The board did not take a final adoption vote at the work session; Murphy said the districtwide plan is scheduled to be adopted no later than the Sept. 1 Board of Education meeting and to be made public Oct. 1, after the required 30‑day review and subsequent work on confidential building plans.