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Tempe Union gives comprehensive school safety and social‑emotional update; announces pilot vaping sensors and other measures
Summary
District staff reported compliance with drill requirements, described layers of safety including cameras and Knox boxes, previewed a spring 2024 vaping‑sensor pilot at Corona del Sol and Marcos de Niza, and shared Care Solace mental‑health referral metrics.
Sean McDonald, the district leader for safety and student supports, presented the governing board with a comprehensive update on physical safety and social‑emotional wellness measures across Tempe Union High School District.
On physical safety McDonald said sites were meeting or exceeding required protocols and drills under Arizona law and reported extensive camera coverage: "we have over 705 cameras on our campuses and then another 100 or so on our cameras on the buses and transportation." He described upgrades to radios and repeaters, improvements to front‑office access, and ongoing assessments of gate and fence operations.
McDonald outlined several planned pilots and security investments. He said vaping/environmental sensors will be piloted in spring 2024 at Corona del Sol and Marcos de Niza for one month to test effectiveness, and the district is researching bullet‑resistant laminate for front offices and a real‑time operations center to allow limited law‑enforcement use of cameras in serious incidents. He also described key‑holding Knox boxes for first responders and an inventory of master keys and maps to speed access.
On psychological safety and mental‑health supports McDonald highlighted MTSS processes, family supports, and third‑party warm‑handoffs to local providers. He presented Care Solace utilization numbers since the district began the service: "inquiries over 5,814 inquiries," an appointment rate of about 55% (compared with a cited national average of 18%), and an average time to first appointment of 19 days. He described 690 warm handoffs and said 62% of appointments are via telehealth.
Board members asked for follow‑up data on the number of staff trained in trauma and crisis response, and for the percentage of students districtwide who are in neither athletics nor activities. McDonald said he would provide more detailed counts and follow‑ups at a later briefing.
