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FSUSD staff updating comprehensive safe school plans to reflect new state requirements; drafts to return Nov. 20
Summary
District staff reported that school sites are updating comprehensive safe school plans to include new state requirements — including an instructional continuity plan, identified refuge shelters, cardiac arrest protocols and parent notification for immigration enforcement — and that final plans will be brought to the board Nov. 20 after review with
School sites in Fairfield-Suisun Unified have been revising their comprehensive safe school plans to reflect new California requirements that the district’s educational services director described to the board on Oct. 16.
Dr. Sheila McCabe (presenting the informational item) outlined recently added requirements in state guidance and education code, including:
• An instructional continuity plan so a school can continue education during an emergency closure;
• Identification of a refuge shelter — a building that first responders could protect if a nearby fire makes evacuation unsafe;
• Cardiac arrest response protocols and medical review of plans (new this year); and
• Procedures and notifications for immigration enforcement actions on or near campus, including notification expectations for parents and students.
McCabe told the board sites have been working with safety committees and school site councils in September and October; drafts of each school’s safe school plan have been routed to local law enforcement, fire departments and Medic Ambulance for review as required. If those partners request changes, the district will make modifications with sites before returning final plans to the board for review and potential approval on Nov. 20.
The presenter also noted state guidance now requires districts to incorporate social‑emotional supports when schools conduct active‑shooter drills, to reduce trauma for students and staff.
Why it matters: Safe school plans set the operational steps schools and first responders will follow during campus emergencies. The new elements — especially the immigration enforcement notification and refuge shelter requirements — change how schools must plan for and communicate during incidents, and require coordination with outside emergency agencies.
Board reaction
Trustees expressed support for the updates and thanked staff for proactive communications about immigration enforcement and other new requirements. Trustee Flynn said he strongly supported including parent/guardian notification procedures related to immigration enforcement.
Next steps
Sites will incorporate law‑enforcement feedback as necessary; final safe school plans will be returned to the board on Nov. 20 for possible approval.
