As I landed back from the BrainStorm Educational Technology Conference in the Wisconsin Dells, where over 1,000 school leaders gathered to decode the future of security, one truth reverberated through the corridors: safety isn’t just a priority it’s a mission we must all uphold.
Envision a convergence of minds, a symphony of ideas, all bound by a singular purpose: safeguarding our schools. This was the essence of my recent journey to the BrainStorm Educational Technology Conference, where I had the honor of contributing to a panel on school security. The discussions that unfolded shed light on the pressing safety concerns plaguing our educational institutions, prompting me to distill the essence of those conversations for you and they can help your school.
Brainstorming for Safety: Unveiling the Blueprint
Risk Assessment
In the bustling corridors of the Kalahari resort where BrainStorm was held this year, the topic of security risk assessments dominated many conversations. School leaders sought clarity on the intricacies of this process, seeking to enhance their institutions against potential threats. A standout moment was when we discussed how a comprehensive risk assessment not only identifies vulnerabilities but also serves as a roadmap for future security endeavors. School leaders all recognized and agreed upon the importance of this foundational step in safeguarding educational spaces.
During the panel discussion, a superintendent shared an anecdote about their school’s experience with a comprehensive risk assessment. By delving deep into their security program, they were able to identify overlooked vulnerabilities and implement targeted mitigation strategies, ultimately bolstering their districts safety posture.
Surveillance Analytics
In the digital age, surveillance transcends mere observation. It becomes a proactive tool for threat intelligence and detection. At BrainStorm, leaders delved into the realm of surveillance analytics, exploring how modern systems can transform data into actionable intelligence. The emphasis shifted from passive monitoring to real-time threat assessment, heralding a new era of proactive security measures.
One attendee shared their school’s success story with advanced surveillance analytics. By leveraging facial detection and motion sensing capabilities, they thwarted a potential act of violence by a student before it could escalate to the point of action, underscoring the transformative power of proactive surveillance.
Emergency Communications
Effective communication is the lifeline during emergencies, yet it remains a challenge for many schools. At BrainStorm, leaders grappled with the complexities of emergency communications, probing the reliability of cell phone coverage and radio systems within school premises. The consensus was clear: seamless communication is non-negotiable in safeguarding our students and staff.
A technology director shared their school’s struggle with poor radio reception during a medical crisis at their school. The inability to relay critical information to emergency responders arriving due to poor radio and cell signal underscored the dire need for robust communication infrastructure within educational institutions.
Real-world incidents, such as the Texas school shooting, serve as sobering reminders of the consequences of communication failures during crises. The need for comprehensive communication testing and optimization cannot be overstated in ensuring swift and coordinated emergency responses. The Wall Street journal led with this headline on June 4, 2022, Poor Police Radio Reception Caused Confusion in Texas School Shooting Response, Says Official
In a Safer Coalitions report posted on July 28, 2022, it stated that “Officers Had to Step 10 Feet Away From the School to Receive Signals”.
Security Funding
Amidst the discussions on safety, the elephant in the room was funding. School leaders grappled with the financial burden of implementing robust security measures, seeking avenues to bridge the gap. While public schools cited referendums and grants, we don’t have such luxuries as a nonprofit school, we do however have access to FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) where we can apply for up to $150,000 for security enhancements following the completion of a security risk assessment.
A superintendent shared their innovative approach to funding security initiatives through community partnerships and grant applications, highlighting the importance of creative solutions in overcoming financial barriers to safety. The urgency of securing adequate resources for safety initiatives resonated with leaders across the educational spectrum, underscoring the need for innovative funding mechanisms.
What’s Next?
In the conferences rooms of BrainStorm, where over 1,000 school leaders convened to chart the course of school safety, four pillars emerged: risk assessment, surveillance analytics, emergency communications, and security funding. By heeding the lessons gleaned from state schools and embracing our own proactive measures, we embark on a journey towards safer church schools, and more resilient educational environments.
Simon Osamoh serves as the editor of Security Connections and is nationally recognized for his work in safeguarding houses of worship. He began his career in England, spending 14 years as a detective specializing in serious and organized crime before leading Counter Terrorism at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Simon founded Kingswood Security Consulting and the Worship Security Academy, aimed at providing security solutions to houses of worship. He is the author of two Amazon bestselling books and the host of the Worship Security Academy podcast. For submissions or topic ideas, reach out to Simon at sosamoh@worshipfacility.com