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Board reviews proposed changes to safety policy tied to House Bill 2074; questions on assessments and funding
Summary
Board members discussed proposed changes to the district’s environmental and safety policy intended to reflect recent state law changes (House Bill 2074), including a five-year safety-assessment requirement and the need to verify approved vendors for assessments; no vote was taken (first review).
The Tempe Elementary School District Governing Board on Aug. 6 held a first review of proposed changes to its environmental and safety policy to reflect recent state law changes described in the meeting as House Bill 2074.
Dr. Driscoll said the blue-highlighted language in the policy draft reflects the statutory changes; staff noted the law requires districts to develop an emergency response plan and to conduct a safety assessment every five years. The district completed a safety assessment this year through ArmorOne but staff said they need to confirm whether ArmorOne is on a state-approved vendor list. “We did a safety assessment through ArmorOne this year, but I was told that they have to be on the approved list,” Dr. Driscoll said, adding the district could be required to do another if the vendor is not approved.
Board members asked whether the state provides funding for the required assessments. Dr. Driscoll said he could not confirm that funding and described it informally as an “unfunded mandate” in some circles. A board member also asked staff to clarify the distinction between a peace officer and a police officer; staff explained the difference in the context of Arizona certification, noting police officers are certified through the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board and that the terms are often used interchangeably in state practice.
This item was a first review and no action was taken. Staff said they will verify vendor approval status and potential funding sources before returning the item to the board for action.
Next steps: Staff will confirm whether ArmorOne (or other vendors) is on the state-approved list for safety assessments and will report back to the board with any funding information or recommended revisions.
