School Safety Overhaul Introduces New Threat Assessment Teams

In a recent government meeting, significant updates regarding school safety plans were discussed, highlighting new compliance laws and enhanced security measures aimed at protecting students and staff.

Mister Hall provided an overview of the new legislation mandating that every county establish a safety commission, a shift from previous regulations that allowed for optional commissions. Steuben County has been proactive in this area, with each school already having a safety team in place. By July 2025, schools will be required to form a multidisciplinary threat assessment team, which will include various school personnel such as safety specialists and counselors.

The meeting also addressed changes to lockdown drills, now referred to as armed intruder drills. New stipulations require schools to notify parents about these drills and maintain detailed records, including the date, time, and conditions of each drill. This move aims to standardize emergency procedures across the state.

Mister Hall emphasized the district's commitment to minimizing threats of violence, noting the presence of two full-time School Resource Officers (SROs) stationed at the middle and high schools, along with additional officers assigned to elementary schools. The district is also working to increase the number of safety specialists in each building.

The introduction of the ALICE protocol was highlighted as a significant advancement in emergency response training. Unlike traditional lockdown procedures, the ALICE protocol empowers staff to make decisions about evacuating the building based on their proximity to a threat.

Furthermore, the district has invested in over 350 surveillance cameras to enhance security monitoring. The integration of a new crisis communication app, Crisis Go, allows for real-time communication with local emergency services, improving response times during incidents.

The safety commission, which includes representatives from various local agencies, is focusing on topics such as reunification procedures for evacuating students and parents during emergencies. Plans are in place to conduct practice drills for these scenarios in the upcoming summer.

Overall, the meeting underscored a comprehensive approach to school safety, with ongoing training, updated protocols, and collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency services to ensure a secure learning environment for all students.