Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Point schools update crisis plan, schedule unified command exercise and pursue Project Adam certification
Summary
School operations staff presented updates to the 2026–2027 crisis plan required by the state, including a June 23 unified command exercise with police and fire, new classroom 'go buckets,' strengthened communications via ParentSquare and steps toward Project Adam certification before fall.
The West Point Public Schools operations staff presented the 2026–2027 crisis plan update and told the school board the division is aligning the written plan with daily practice and state requirements.
The plan review, described as the first step in an annual three-step compliance process with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), includes a unified command exercise planned for June 23 that will bring the district together with police, fire and the town emergency manager to practice a selected scenario. "We will be doing that again this year and I think it's a great opportunity for us one just to work on our collaboration and our teamwork with the all the agencies and departments," the operations staff member said.
Why it matters: The district said the work keeps the division compliant with state expectations, strengthens cross-agency coordination and clarifies staff responsibilities during an incident. The presenter said the division completed a safety audit with its health and safety committee on May 5 and meets DCJS requirements that include an annual plan review, alternating building safety surveys and a certification process for principals.
Key changes and actions the board heard: - The district reordered its standard response protocol in the written plan so it matches the visual cues staff and students see on badges and signage, starting with "hold" as the first action. - Staff and role titles were updated across the plan to reflect personnel changes. - Behavioral-risk language was tightened to add clarity around students who "may have signs of threat to themselves or others." The presenter said the phrasing was adjusted after consultation with counselors to reduce ambiguity. - Classroom "go kits" were standardized: the plan now calls them "go buckets" (5‑gallon buckets placed in every classroom) and lists contents such as flashlights, laminated class rosters and first-aid supplies. - Communication channels were expanded and documented; the presenter specifically named ParentSquare and noted its text-message capability as part of the district's emergency outreach. - The cardiac emergency plan required by state law was added to the crisis plan, and the district said it is pursuing Project Adam certification (which includes CPR-trained team members and regular drills) with a goal of meeting certification requirements before the fall semester.
What the board asked: Members praised the monthly, section-by-section review process and asked for a detailed list of the "go bucket" contents; the presenter said the buckets incorporate ideas adapted from other divisions and offered to share specifics offline.
Next steps: The crisis plan was presented for study and review; the presenter said school principals will certify building-level safety surveys this summer and the district will continue to work through outstanding boxes needed for Project Adam certification.
