Byram Hills board adopts updated district safety and emergency response plan

The Byram Hills Central School District board voted to adopt an updated district-wide safety and emergency response plan after hearing staff describe changes in terminology and operational practice intended to clarify procedures and support trauma‑informed responses.

Gina (district special services staff) told the board the state had adjusted some drill names to reduce confusion — for example clarifying the difference between lockdown and lockout and using the term "secure lock out" — but said the underlying protocols have not changed. Gina said building teams run mandated drills, debrief afterward to gather feedback, and meet district-wide with Alterris (district partner) on a regular cycle; Brian Hendry was identified in the meeting transcript as the Alterris manager who meets with assistant principals.

One procedural change the district will implement is notifying parents and community members of the week in which a building will run a drill (the district will not disclose exact dates or times for safety reasons). Gina said the district is also emphasizing trauma-informed approaches to drills and ongoing review of execution and reflection practices at building and district levels.

A motion to adopt the plan was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript does not include a roll-call vote tally. Following the vote the board continued with other agenda items including curriculum updates and committee assignments.