The Importance of Defining Roles in School Safety
A school safety plan is only as strong as the people implementing it. School Resource Officers (SROs), administrators, teachers, and staff all play a role in maintaining a secure and supportive learning environment—but when responsibilities are not clearly defined, confusion and inefficiencies follow. One of the biggest mistakes schools make is failing to establish a […]
Hard vs. Soft School Safety Solutions: Finding the Right Balance
School safety is a top priority for educators, law enforcement, and policymakers, but too often, the conversation is focused on hard security measures—metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. While these tools are essential, they don’t address the human factors that influence school safety. That’s where soft safety measures come in. Soft solutions—such as […]
School Safety and SROs: Cutting Through Misleading Studies to Find Balance
School safety is a cornerstone of educational priorities. The presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) is one of the most debated aspects of keeping our schools safe. Discussions on their successful impact often pit their perceived benefits like preventing violence and developing relationships against concerns about their possible negative impact on students and the school […]
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. […]