Across the United States, significant funds are being allocated to bolster school security. West Virginia is enhancing its safety protocols with a new reporting app, Chicago Public Schools are shifting towards restorative justice, Pennsylvania is considering silent alarms, and Texas has introduced stringent safety measures. Here are the latest developments in school safety.
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West Virginia Invests in School Safety App
West Virginia officials are ramping up school safety measures with new initiatives, including the “See Something Send Something” app. Developed with My Mobile Witness, this app allows users to report suspicious activities, threats, and safety issues. Reports are monitored 24/7 by the West Virginia Emergency Management Division’s Watch Center, which forwards them to the appropriate authorities.
The West Virginia Department of Education also hosted regional school safety meetings to address emerging threats. They emphasized online safety and parental involvement in monitoring children’s digital activities. Additionally, the state has streamlined the submission of school safety plans through the WVDE Grants and Planning System and allocated $26.2 million for security infrastructure, such as secure entrances and upgraded windows in schools across various counties. For example, Harrison County received $830,619 for secure entrances at three schools, while Roane County was awarded $926,246 to upgrade windows at two schools.
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Chicago Schools Push for Restorative Justice, Ditch Police
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has proposed a new safety plan focusing on restorative justice and removing campus police. This initiative follows a Chicago Board of Education resolution and emphasizes alternative discipline practices and social-emotional learning. By 2028, all schools are required to implement these practices and establish behavioral health teams. The plan also mandates that all interior and exterior doors remain locked and increases security personnel based on school size and crime statistics. Reactions are mixed, with some advocating for more social workers and others supporting the presence of police in schools.
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Pennsylvania Considers Silent School Safety Alarms
Pennsylvania is eyeing a new bill that mandates silent school safety alarms to speed up emergency responses. This proposal comes in the wake of several violent school incidents and aims to cut down on response times during crises. The system would provide a direct lifeline to police dispatch and real-time audio monitoring within schools once the alarm is triggered, potentially serving as a deterrent and improving emergency responses. The bill, introduced in response to the Parkland shooting, has garnered support for its potential to enhance safety without significant additional costs.
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Texas Tightens School Safety with New Policies
In response to the Uvalde school shooting, Texas has introduced stringent school safety policies. House Bill 3 requires armed guards at every public school, panic buttons in classrooms, and comprehensive staff training. Schools must also provide updated campus maps to law enforcement and maintain robust communication with parents during emergencies. The Texas State School Safety Center advises parents to familiarize themselves with school safety protocols and to follow official updates during emergencies to avoid causing disruptions. The new measures are part of a broader investment in school safety, reflecting the state’s commitment to protecting students and staff.
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Governments Discuss School Security
In the last 90 days, school safety utilizing innovative technology has been mentioned in over 85 government meetings. These meetings include discussions by the Michigan House of Representatives regarding the unique approaches needed by rural schools in cases of incidents, the Maryland Senate Energy and Education Committee discussing the value of technology in school safety, and the Newburyport School Committee discussing their current work with their technology vendor and how it has improved their school.
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