School Safety Improvements for All Budgets

Here are several school safety improvements that you can implement at your district and schools for little to no money.

Classrooms (Including Portables)

• "Hard corners" identified and clearly marked in every classroom
• Doors and window coverings (permanent i.e. paper, retractable, etc.)
• Classroom door locks (from inside)
• Science labs, etc. have all chemicals, hazardous materials, and other items (knives, scalpels, etc.) securely stored and locked

School Buildings

• Signage advising visitors to report to the main office
• Working locks on all exterior doors and windows—locked at all times (Prevent entry, not exit; Unlocked doors should be staffed.)
• Keep hallways clear of obstructions
• Gates on perimeter; Fencing locked
• All windows and doors numbered and clearly marked (with tape, stickers, etc.)
• Safety drills and simulations
• Visible student and staff IDs (on lanyards)
• Cover, protect, and secure utilities (gas, electric, communications) against tampering
• Monitor restrooms, stairwells, buses, etc. for graffiti, etc.
• Replace non-operational lights (bulbs, fixtures, etc.)

District

• Thorough and current situational response protocols (Reunification plans for evacuation events)
• Periodic meetings with local law enforcement and first responders
• Community engagement/communication
• Bully/threat reporting tip-line and response protocols

Here are several school safety improvements that you can implement at your district and schools for a mid-size investment.

Classrooms (Including Portables)

• Glass glazing/bullet-proof film on windows and doors
• One-to-many alerting system ('panic' button)
• Indicator locks (visible to tell if door is locked or unlocked)
• Covered paths to portables
• Lockdown kits (essentials i.e. bottled water, first aid, etc.)
• Door barricades

School Buildings

• Glass glazing/bullet-proof film or windows and doors
• One-to-many alerting system ('panic' button)
• Visitor management (require photo ID, print ‘visitor’ sticker, etc.)
• Campus fencing and gates
• Natural barriers (landscaping, etc.)
• Drive identification (numbering driveways) for first responders
• School Resource Officers (SROs)
• Natural access control (buses separate from parent drop-off)
• Reinforce/protect fire alarm pulls from misuse
• Blind spots in hallways and stairwells equipped with parabolic mirrors (or similar surveillance device)
• After-hours alarm system (notify key personnel of break-ins, fire, etc.)
• Back-up generator (in case of power outage)
• Carbon monoxide detectors

District

• Social media monitoring
• Dedicated communication devices (radios, etc.) for safety team personnel
• Mass communication platform
• Safety assessments at every school campus and facility (gap analysis)
• District-wide safety training (ALICE, etc.)
• Clear or transparent backpacks
• Background checks for all school personnel (including volunteers)
• Social-emotional curriculum

Here are several school safety improvements that you can implement at your district and schools for a large investment.

Classrooms (Including Portables)

• Safe rooms

School Buildings

• Video surveillance with 24/7 recording
• Metal detectors
• Exterior door alarms (notify when open)
• Gunshot detection technology
• Command/control rooms
• Visitor management ('mantrap' background check, issue visitor badge, security escort)
• Student and staff ID badges to grant access to building, sensitive areas, etc.
• Removal of exterior and internal door hardware that can be tied or chained to prevent rapid exit or first responder access
• Vehicle screening, inspection, and monitoring (in parking lots, etc.)
• Facial recognition technology