SRO outlines recent safety upgrades; board to pursue additional assessments

School Resource Officer Bill Rollins told the Mason Consolidated Schools Board of Education on Oct. 1 that the district has made a series of safety and security upgrades over the past two years, including equipment purchases, staff training, building changes and new emergency "go bags" assigned to each classroom and space. Regular practice drills were cited as part of the updated approach.

District operations staff reported they have engaged Lockout USA to conduct additional safety assessments for campus areas not covered in the first round of reviews, specifically stadium and field areas. Those assessments are intended to supplement the district’s existing site work and the recently revised Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which the board approved later in the meeting.

Board members and administrators also discussed related operational items on the agenda, including procurement and facility work tied to the accepted Trane Technologies Comprehensive Energy Assessment. The superintendent’s report referenced upcoming staff professional-development offerings and community partnerships that support staff well-being, including a Nov. 3 session with Dr. Dana Schon on managing stress for teachers.

The revised EOP approved by the board on Oct. 1 was processed on a unanimous 4-0 vote; the board directed administration to publish the updated plan and implement recommended measures. Operations staff will coordinate with Lockout USA to schedule supplemental assessments and report back to the board.