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Goshen board hears district safety plan; administrators cite relationships, drills, new Narcan boxes and AEDs
Summary
At a public hearing, district staff said safety relies on relationships, threat assessment teams, SROs, vestibules and updated trauma‑informed drills; administrators noted Narcan boxes and additional AEDs were added and acknowledged the public posting for the hearing was delayed.
The Goshen Central School District presented its district‑wide safety plan at a public hearing, detailing a multi‑layered approach that melds school climate work, threat assessment and physical security upgrades.
Interim presenter Mr. Mandubi told the Board and community the district "should have done [the public hearing] several months ago" but stressed that "at no time was anyone in danger" because building plans, security staff and SROs remained in place. He said the plan emphasizes relationships between staff, SROs and students as a first line of defense: when staff know students well they can more readily spot people who do not belong.
Administrators described four major components: climate and student supports (including DASA anti‑bullying measures and counseling after incidents), a threat assessment team that evaluates concerning behaviors, clear reporting and communications protocols with parents and emergency responders, and physical security such as vestibules at building entrances. The presentation also noted that the district now has AEDs in every building and added "Narcan boxes" in all buildings, with plans to add them to the main street building and transportation facility shortly. Officials said the county Office of Mental Health funded the Narcan boxes.
The district said drills remain mandated (12 per year, with eight evacuation drills and four lockdown drills) but that recent state guidance requires drills be trauma‑informed; the administration said it now gives advanced notice to parents, explains the purpose of drills and provides counselors afterward because realistic simulations can re‑trigger trauma. The presentation also described use of the National Incident Command System, coordination plans so a single person manages communications, and partnerships with village, town and state police who would assume command if they respond to a scene.
Board members thanked staff and local law enforcement for their roles in developing and implementing the plan. No formal vote was required; the public hearing was closed and the board proceeded to its regular agenda.
