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District to adopt Standard Response Protocol by Sept. 2026; layered access controls and screening to follow
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Summary
Officials said the district adopted the Standard Response Protocol and the Standard Reunification Method districtwide, plans full implementation by Sept. 2026, will upgrade cameras and card readers, limit ID issuance for nonpermanent staff, and retrain security officers to screen visitors at building entry.
The South Orange–Maplewood School District told families that it has adopted two nationally recognized emergency frameworks — the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and the Standard Reunification Method — and plans to fully implement them across all schools by September 2026.
Paul Morgan, director of school and community safety, said the district will use the common SRP language (Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter) to coordinate staff, students and first responders. "Using common language in a crisis that everyone can understand is crucial," Morgan said, and the district showed a training video demonstrating SRP actions and nonverbal hand signals intended to help accessibility for hearing-impaired students.
Morgan outlined a timeline of extensive training in late spring, summer and continuing into fall, with posters in hallways, classroom materials and SRP actions printed on staff ID badges so the procedures remain visible. He said the district hosted a January training session that included representatives from 70 districts and the New Jersey Department of Education.
On physical protections, Morgan described plans to upgrade electronic access controls and card readers, reduce the number of identification cards issued to nonpermanent staff and substitutes, and strengthen memoranda of agreement with local police. For facilities not yet improved — such as planned security vestibules at selected schools — Morgan said projects require architecture, NJDOE approval, board action and funding, so they will take time; interim measures include retraining security officers to meet and screen visitors at the door rather than allowing buzzer entry.
Panelists stressed the district’s parallel emphasis on social-emotional learning, restorative practices and multi-tiered supports as foundational work that reduces risk by building relationships. Frank Sanchez, Columbia High principal, said advance notice and careful planning help minimize trauma from drills for vulnerable students while complying with state-mandated drill requirements.
The district said it will post the training videos and presentation materials on its webinars page and continue community Q&A as rollout proceeds.
