School safety remains a paramount concern for communities nationwide. It's something we don't want to think about, but recent events are a stark reminder of just how important it is to have a solid plan in place.

March 27th marked the one year anniversary of the tragedy at The Covenant School in Nashville, and just over one week ago Asheville School experienced a bomb threat. The school's administrative team suspected it was a "prank" due to the call originating from outside the US and appearing automated. But out of an abundance of caution, students were evacuated, and law enforcement with their canine units thoroughly searched all buildings. Fortunately, their suspicion was correct; there was no active threat on campus.

In the aftermath of such threats and the tragedies like the one at Covenant School, stakeholders have sought guidance on bolstering security measures. Tennessee quickly passed legislation requiring schools to collaborate with law enforcement, but most law enforcement agencies did not have the capacity to implement the new measures. Though the situation did not create legal issues for schools, it highlighted the ongoing need for resources and coordination.

It’s crucial to recognize the diversity of challenges schools face in ensuring safety. Sarah Wilson, Executive Director of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools, emphasizes the need for tailored safety protocols. There's no one-size-fits-all solution; each school must consider its unique circumstances:

• Where the campus is located geographically
• What population it serves (Pre-school, K-8, K-12, all boys, all girls)
• How to partner with law enforcement and the community
• How to train faculty and staff to handle emergencies in a way that's empowering, not paralyzing

One notable approach adopted by some schools involves community engagement events like "Cop Stop," where law enforcement agencies spend a day touring the campus, sharing a meal, and interacting with students and staff. Such initiatives foster trust and familiarity, vital components in crisis situations.

NCAIS has created a Crisis Response Team from among our members, a group of school counselors/psychologists whose mission is to offer emergency crisis counseling in the immediate wake of a catastrophic event, until a longer-term plan can be put into place. Members of this team include Susan Perry (Forsyth Country Day), Scott Miller (Asheville School), Carla Moyer (Cannon School), Elizabeth Gibbs (Cape Fear Academy), Samantha Bosco (Charlotte Country Day), Bridget Gwinnett (Greensboro Day), Kendra Varnell (Ravenscroft), and Landis Holman (Friends School of Wilmington).

We are also hosting a School Safety & Security Summit on April 16th at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte. We will have the opportunity to learn from Tony Pustizzi, retired Chief of Police from Coral Springs, Florida, who will share his wisdom with the hope that we learn from the mistakes that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The afternoon session will be led by the Department of Homeland Security, whose agents will lead us through a tabletop exercise, where we will lean into our own current active threat plans to see the areas of strength and situations that need further exploration. Everyone will leave the day better equipped for unexpected crises.

As we navigate the complexities of safeguarding educational spaces, it is clear that a multifaceted approach that integrates preparedness, collaboration, and community involvement is essential. By remaining proactive and adaptable and working together, we can create environments where our students feel secure and supported.