I would like to discuss how D7 has implemented several safety and security measures over the past four years to ensure the well-being of staff and students. I am going to reflect on: 1. Emergency Preparedness and Collaboration with Law Enforcement, 2. Enhanced Security Infrastructure and 3. Communication Systems.
1. SSAVEIM Certification, Director of Security, and SRO’s
At the IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference this past November, Dr. Allen Duncan, our Assistant Superintendent, and I attended a work session on school safety, an overview of the SSAVEIM training, in which our own safety crisis team is certified. The speakers discussed the I love U Guys foundation (Home ♥ The "I Love U Guys" Foundation), from which our school district is currently adopting practices. The work session ran a through a model of the reunification process, as part of a process designed to create a clear approach to crisis management. This process identifies communication, coordination, command structure and resource management. At the work session, Dr. Duncan and I participated in a walkthrough of the reunification process, as well, so that we understood the implementation of this plan. I appreciated Dr. Duncan’s discussion with me at the breaks, discussing our implementation of these practices under the expertise of the Director of Security Michael Hubbard, Jeff Wallis and our SRO team. We discussed the vital importance of our partnership with our law enforcement, fostering a safe environment in our schools and building solid relationships between our students and officers.
2. Enhance Security Infrastructure:
The community cited the need for safe and secure facilities as our number one priority as we came together to discuss bond projects in 2022, leading to the successful passage of the bond referendum in April 2023. In the summer of 2024, Cassens Elementary School, Goshen Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, Midway Elementary School and Worden Elementary School all received upgraded door hardware and access control software to begin functioning as secure entry vestibules this past fall. During the summer of 2025, secure double entries will be constructed at Edwardsville High School (light renovation), Glen Carbon Elementary School, Leclaire Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School, Hamel Elementary School (small addition), Columbus Elementary School and Nelson Elementary School (involved renovation).
3. Communication Systems:
There’s a reason why the school district upgraded phones for administrators in D7 and it is for access to emergency communication. To me, that’s worth it. This past year, the district tested and later launched the Crisis Go App with administrators. The Crisis Go app provides buildings with a platform under which to operate emergency drills and handle crisis situations. Our chief of security, Michael Hubbard, discussed safety and security measures at the Board meeting last April. He discussed cameras, emergency bus procedures, law enforcement access, the Crisis Go Emergency Management System, ASIM-SSAVIEM training, and more. He will provide an update this spring as well.
Board members and the community are educated on the tools and plans our District Leadership Team, teachers and staff use to ensure the safety of our students and staff. This includes evaluating the expansion of security measures in our schools, their impact on the tort fund, and how we effectively allocate resources to meet our district’s safety needs.
Please let me know your comments and ideas via text: 618-973-9465.