District officials outline 2026 updates to West Irondequoit safety plan at public hearing

The West Irondequoit Central School District held a public hearing June 4 to present updates to its districtwide safety plan, which the New York State Education Department requires districts to review annually. Superintendent Dr. Johnson introduced Chris Shellard, the district’s director of safety and security, who walked the board and audience through the changes being emphasized for 2026–27.

Shellard said the state is asking districts to concentrate on four areas: prevention (behavioral threat assessment), wellness (trauma‑informed emergency drills), medical readiness (cardiac emergency response planning) and clear communication with families and staff. "Each year we present the district‑wide safety plan," Shellard said, adding that the plan is posted on the district website for a 30‑day public comment period before board action.

On medical readiness, Shellard described a new requirement to include cardiac emergency response planning and training. He said building plans now list staff with CPR training, outline recognition of sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and describe steps staff should take while awaiting emergency responders. "It's to give them an awareness — what it looks like, what the symptoms are, what's the best way to respond," he said.

Shellard also described changes to safety team membership that add transportation staff, including lead bus drivers, to the district health and safety committee so concerns tied to bussing and field trips are represented. He said the district maintains a monthly district threat assessment team and building teams that meet when incidents occur; the district also has used tabletop exercises with high school staff and counselors to refine procedures.

The presentation emphasized trauma‑informed drills — age‑appropriate explanations, no simulated actors or props — and required parent notifications after lockdown drills (within one to seven days, with summary information but not drill times). Shellard noted the district is transitioning to standardized incident terminology (for example, "secure lockout" for incidents outside a building and "hold in place" rather than longer phrases) to reduce confusion.

Board members asked how the district has updated documents and training; Shellard said emergency folders and placards were updated last year, building safety teams check those materials annually, and the district partners with the St. Paul Fire Department to provide CPR/AED training and equipment support.

Next steps: Shellard said the plan will be posted for community review and comment, and the board will vote on adoption after the comment period.