Board adopts comprehensive school safety plan; district outlines special‑education evacuation measures

The Stockton Unified School District board unanimously adopted the district’s 2024–25 comprehensive school safety plan on Feb. 11 after hearing a report on supports for students with disabilities.

Mr. Amelen, who gave the report, said each site maintains a detailed special‑education plan in addition to the districtwide comprehensive school safety plan. He told trustees the district is procuring evacuation chairs for second‑floor locations at several comprehensive high schools to assist students who cannot use stairs. He also said principals receive a packet with guidance and that staff are piloting radios and other measures to track and support students who elope during evacuations.

“For our special‑ed population, we do have a separate plan that’s more in detail for staff,” Amelen said, noting principals also run tabletop exercises and staff drills. He confirmed principals are responsible for identifying which staff will assist during evacuations and that principals receive training; additional staff are called to help when radios signal a need.

Trustees asked whether parents could access these plans. Amelen said parents may request to view a redacted version in the principal’s office, but the district does not publish full emergency operation plans because they contain site‑sensitive information (evacuation locations and measured response details).

The board approved the comprehensive school safety plan by unanimous roll call. Trustees and staff said the district will continue drills and refine procedures at sites with space‑ or staffing‑specific challenges.