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Board presses for a single, searchable comprehensive safety plan; staff to bring revised, redacted and internal versions back in May
Summary
Board members asked staff to consolidate site safety plans into a single, searchable internal document with a public-facing redacted version, and requested a clearer summary of changes; staff said they will return in May with updates and continued compliance with California Education Code requirements.
The La Canada Unified board debated the format and accessibility of the district's comprehensive school safety plans during a lengthy presentation by district safety staff.
Jim introduced the item and Karen explained that the plans are reviewed annually in cooperation with law enforcement, fire agencies and school-site committees as required by the California Education Code. Several board members said they were frustrated that the plan materials were split between public-facing and internal documents, which made review difficult. One board member noted the state template does not clearly address child-abuse prevention guidance and said the law requires plan components be in place by July 1.
Karen responded that she had reached out for guidance and would update the plan; she said some training already occurred through the HR department and additional training is scheduled for the fall. Jamie described how staff had checked neighboring districts' definitions for "fire refuge" and had revised the decision tree to meet code requirements. Board members asked that the district create a single internal document (with redacted public pages where required), an updated "summary of changes" page, and improved navigation to make the plan usable for principals and emergency responders.
Board members referenced pending state action (AB1721) that may streamline templates, but asked staff to proceed now: "We need to make this easier for review... and make it accessible for any new staff member coming to campus," one member said. Staff agreed to return in May with a revised document and a summary of proposed formatting and redaction approaches for public posting.
Next steps: staff will update the summary-of-changes page, incorporate feedback on child-abuse prevention language and wildfire refuge procedures, and present a consolidated internal version along with a redacted public-facing copy at the next meeting.
