Rialto Unified board reviews 2026–27 school safety plans; principals stress drills, visitor controls and layered response

Rialto Unified School District leaders on April 8 presented updated 2026–27 school safety plans and answered board questions about parent engagement, budget alignment and emergency notifications.

Chief of Safety Gus Pis told the board he would “present an overview of our school safety plans, including the legal requirements, key components, and the work taking place across our sites to support safe and prepared learning environments.” He anchored the presentation to California Education Code sections 32280–32289.5 and described required components such as emergency-response procedures, mandated-reporting responsibilities, drills, suspension/expulsion policies, and bullying-prevention strategies.

Principals described how site safety committees draft and approve their plans. Dr. Caroline Sweeney, principal of Rialto High School, said the document begins with a review of the previous plan and data, then moves to stakeholder-driven goals — for example, a high-level implementation goal and a specific goal such as improved lockdown training and supplies. Cole Middle School Principal Dr. Tina Linganfelter described a process that includes student voice, data-driven goals and an incident command structure. Warner Elementary Principal Tammy Butler highlighted inclusion measures for students with special needs and a structured reunification process.

Board members pressed for detail on implementation. Board member Dr. Lewis expressed concern about low parent participation in school-site signatures and asked how budget and materials would be aligned with corrective actions identified in the plans. Several board members urged expanded outreach to recruit a broader mix of parent voices for safety committees.

On notifications, the district said it has a new, time‑based protocol developed after multiple “swatting” incidents. “The first notification through ParentSquare should be sent out within five minutes of the incident, if possible,” the chief said, with a principal-sent second notice around 30 minutes and subsequent updates every 30 minutes until the situation is cleared. Board members emphasized consistent, clear communications that reassure families and discourage parents from converging on campuses during incidents.

Next steps: site safety plans will be finalized at the school-site council level, reviewed by public safety partners and presented for board adoption consistent with board policy. Staff will continue work to increase parent engagement, to redact tactical details from publicly available copies, and to provide an accessible summary of household-facing response guidance for parents.