Building Safer Schools: Why Relationships and Roles Matter More Than Metal Detectors
School safety is a pressing issue, with billions of dollars invested annually in measures designed to protect students and staff. While significant progress has been made through what I like to call hard products such as security cameras, access control systems, and metal detectors, these tools alone are not enough to create truly safe schools. […]
Schools Ditch SROs: The Rise of In-House Police Forces
In recent years, the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) has come under scrutiny. As schools deal with safety concerns, budget constraints, and community expectations, some districts are opting to create their own police forces. While this idea offers some advantages, it also creates significant challenges that schools must carefully consider. A recent example of […]
Protecting Our Schools: Federal Efforts to Enhance K-12 Safety
Schools are important places where children learn and grow. However, they face various safety challenges, such as violence and cyber threats. To help keep schools safe, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is working hard to provide support and resources. CISA’s job is to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure, including schools. To do this, […]
Navigating the Future of Ed-Tech: Balancing Innovation and Practicality in Schools
The latest trends in educational technology for 2025 include significant new ways schools are integrating AI, managing cellphone use, enhancing cybersecurity, and utilizing various ed-tech tools. These trends offer valuable insights for educators and administrators aiming to create safe, disciplined, and positive learning environments. AI in Schools: A Boon for Efficiency or a Threat to […]
Are SROs Really the Solution? Why Misaligned Roles in School Safety Agreements Are Failing Students
The Role of School Resource Officers: Why Clear Agreements and Defined Roles Matter Monic Behnken’s exploration of the effectiveness of SROs (Des Moines Register, December 7, 2024) in preventing violence highlighted important issues around school safety. Her argument raises valid concerns about the limitations of SROs and the unintended consequences their presence can have on […]
When Tragedy Strikes: DOJ Investigates Schools and SROs After Student Suicide in New Jersey
The tragic suicide death of an 11-year New Jersey Middle School Student has brought focus to the responsibility of schools in preventing bullying and ensuring student safety. Following Felicia’s suicide in the school restroom in early 2023, the Mount Holly Township School District in New Jersey now faces a federal DOJ civil rights investigation and […]
Metal Detectors, Cell Phones, and School Safety: Lessons from the Firestone High School Incident
A recent incident at Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio, has sparked national discussions about the role of school resource officers (SROs) and security measures like metal detectors. On October 16, 2024, a 16-year-old student attempted to bypass the school’s metal detector and was met by school staff and two police officers, including the SRO. […]
Prowess Edge is Here for You
At Prowess Edge, we stand at the forefront of innovation in K-12 education, offering customized, cutting-edge solutions to schools and districts across the country. As education continues to evolve, we recognize the growing demand for professional development that addresses the complexities of today’s school environments—school safety, climate, discipline, and student success. With our team of […]
North Texas school district weighs controversial school marshal program for enhanced security
Missed Warning: How a Gun Passed School Screening and Threatened Safety
Recent events at Ambridge Area Middle School in Pennsylvania highlight a troubling dynamic in school safety—one that underscores the challenges of defining and executing the roles of educators and law enforcement in school environments. A 13-year-old student reportedly brought a loaded gun to school on consecutive days, bypassing metal detectors and threatening classmates. This incident […]