District safety plan presented, Board told of timeline for public comment and adoption

Patrick Doobie, the district safety coordinator, opened the informational presentation by saying the district-level safety plan is intended "to prevent or minimize the effects on school violence and to provide a plan to respond should the need arise." He told the board the draft was posted July 8 to the district website and is available for public review during a one-month comment window; building-level plans are withheld from public posting because of sensitivity and confidentiality.

Doobie described a formal evaluation process the committee used'artifact and literature reviews, staff surveys, a superintendent panel, camera coverage mapping by Mr. Miller, and door and lock checks by Mr. Newby. He summarized 10 simplified recommendations including adopting a universal district communication platform (ParentSquare), reviewing off-campus evacuation locations and scheduling drills for all buildings, expanding security for larger non-school-day events, developing event-specific functional annexes (lockout/lockdown/evacuation), maximizing and upgrading cameras, instituting regular door-hardware checks, requiring staff badges, upgrading handheld and bus radios, examining visitor identification systems, implementing a double-buzz entry, and creating a long-term fiscal plan to support ongoing security work.

The presenter emphasized the plan is a multiyear effort and recommended bringing an outside safety firm to complete a comprehensive review of annexes and threat-specific plans because the committee members are "educational experts" rather than safety specialists. The board asked clarifying questions about which off-campus events would trigger heightened security and about the district's current inspection and reporting systems for doors and cameras; staff acknowledged existing inspections but said they are formalizing annual checks and reporting to ensure consistent maintenance and follow-up.