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, they created the School Safety Task Force (SSTF). The SSTF works with schools to understand their safety needs and provide helpful resources. They also raise awareness about new threats and coordinate efforts to keep schools safe.

One of the main projects of the SSTF is the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse. This is a joint effort by several U.S. government departments, including Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Justice. The Clearinghouse was created after the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. It offers a website, SchoolSafety.gov, which has over 750 resources to help schools stay safe. These resources include safety tips, funding opportunities, and tools to create safety plans.

In 2024, the Department of Homeland Security set up the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board. This board gives advice on how to improve school safety. Their recommendations help shape the resources and strategies provided to schools.

The SSTF has created several useful tools for schools. For example, the K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit helps schools encourage students and staff to report safety concerns. Another tool, the K-12 Anonymized Threat Response Guidance, helps schools handle anonymous threats of violence. These resources help schools prevent and respond to safety issues.

Keeping schools safe requires ongoing effort. CISA provides regular updates on safety threats through social media, newsletters, and issue briefs. They also work directly with schools by attending conferences and offering training sessions. Every year, CISA hosts the National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, where school safety experts share information and strategies.

While much progress has been made, it’s important to stay vigilant. CISA is committed to supporting schools and their partners to create safe learning environments. By working together, we can ensure that schools remain secure places for students and teachers.