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Bellevue outlines multi‑layer security plan, threat‑assessment work and training
Summary
District safety director Douglas James and his team described a multi‑layer 'protection‑in‑depth' approach — controlled entry, visitor management, locked classroom doors, cameras — plus training and a centralized, evidence‑based behavioral threat‑assessment program that conducted about 47 student assessments last year.
Douglas James, director of safety and security for the Bellevue School District, told the board the department uses a "multi‑layered" approach that combines physical measures, regular drills and centralized behavioral threat assessment to prevent and respond to incidents.
"Our mission is clear. Continue to reinforce and implement preventative measures," James said, describing life‑safety training, monthly drills and a visitor management system that issues badges. Kirk Rudine, the district's physical security specialist, described "protection in depth" — locked classroom doors, controlled entry points and security vestibules — and said quarterly audits show significant improvement in compliance across schools.
Kelly Hansman, the district's certified threat‑assessment specialist, described a centralized, evidence‑based program and said the district conducted "47 student‑based threat assessments" in the past school year (a number Hansman noted was down from the prior year but higher than earlier years). She emphasized assessments are not punitive and are used to develop individualized prevention strategies with special education and counseling staff.
Staff outlined training for students and staff, bleeding‑control courses, safety teams at schools, and collaboration with the district’s technology and cybersecurity director. James said King County law enforcement classifies calls to schools as priority‑one with a roughly three‑minute response time but stressed the need for trained staff because "seconds count; police are minutes away." Board members praised the work and asked about staffing, recruitment for school safety teams and the intersection of accessibility and secure entry procedures.
