Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Security director reports decline in altercations, highlights training and threat assessment work
Summary
Steven Merrigan, the district’s director of security, told the board that incident reports and physical altercations have declined across buildings and described daily collaboration with technology, threat assessment teams, drills and law enforcement partners.
Steven Merrigan, Valley Central’s director of security, told the board he is seeing substantial decreases in reported physical altercations and other incidents across district buildings.
Merrigan presented three‑year trends and said physical altercations at the middle school were down about 84% and high‑school fiscal altercations decreased by approximately 58% compared with the previous period. He credited a layered approach that includes unarmed security staff, hall monitors, school safety officers (SROs), threat assessment teams, regular drills and daily coordination with the technology department.
Merrigan described the district’s three‑tier security model, threat assessment teams in every school, regular training for outside coaches and staff, and close cooperation with law enforcement partners. He said many incidents are prevented or resolved earlier because of the increased presence and processes now in place.
The director also highlighted investments in visitor screening, a single controlled entry, staff training, and ongoing site assessments to confirm doors remain secure. He told the board that the security program will continue to prioritize training and evaluate how technology can further support safety goals.
Board members asked about after‑school activities and training for outside coaches; Merrigan said the district provides regular training and had a specific session scheduled for outside coaches the following evening.
