A company claiming “non-profit” status is much more credible and trustworthy, and less expensive to work with, than their for-profit corporation counterparts. Or is it? The public perception is that “non-profits” are charitable do-gooders who work for the public good will, charge less for their services, and have income and chief executives making a lot […]
Create a realistic focus when using school security cameras
The post-Sandy Hook education community has seen a heavily skewed response to the shootings with millions of dollars being thrown at physical security measures. School security cameras have often been at the top of the list as state legislators dish out grant money or local districts throw up some new cameras in response to parent […]
School shooters are not just “ordinary kids”: Will our past determine our future?
If we do not make changes, then our past will determine our future and we will continue to have school shootings. This statement was a part of my first testimony before Congress in March of 1999 shortly before the massacre at Columbine High School. My testimony focused on the need for increased mental health services […]
School leaders must be educated consumers on safety assessment consultants
“You’ve got to know when to hold’em. Know when to fold’em. Know when to walk away and know when to run.” This advice from country singer, Kenny Rogers, makes good guidance for ethical school security consultants as well as school boards, superintendents and other central office administrators or school heads seeking school safety assessment consultation […]
Educators, parents and school safety consultants: Do you have life balance?
“You must be very busy. How many days are you on the road each year?” I am asked this question following just about every conference presentation and at some point during most school safety consultations for local districts. Most people are surprised by my answer. I will share that answer with you very shortly. But […]
Franklin Regional High School stabbing: Was pulling the fire alarm the best practice?
One student stabbed and/or injured twenty-two students and staff on April 9th in the hallways of a Pennsylvania high school. Once again, a tragedy played out in the hallways of our schools. What is troubling to me is the continued media reports of what a “good” thing it was for an injured student to pull […]
School safety deja vu: Columbine lessons still apply 15 years later
The shooting deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, sent shockwaves across the nation in December of 2012. This was not the first time that educators and safety officials received a punch in the gut and a major wakeup call to assess school security. But the lessons from the first punch still ring […]
“Stand Up for Public Education” Campaign must include school safety
Public school superintendents must proactively strengthen school safety and boost their communications about safe schools if they want to convince the public, government policymakers, and the media that high-quality public education can continue to succeed. The “Stand Up for Public Education” Campaign is a multi-year campaign spearheaded by The American Association of School Administrators, the […]
Do investigative news reports that test school security cross the line?
Investigative news reporters have been testing school security with hidden cameras since the attack at Columbine High School nearly 15 years ago. But now the reporters are the ones under scrutiny. In a story yesterday entitled, “Undercover TV Reports on School Security Raise Ethical Questions,” the New York Times took an in-depth look at whether […]
School bus driver evaluations should include ride-alongs and safety assessments
A Florida jury recently rendered a decision on a case in which I served as an expert witness. The incident involved one student attacking another student on a school bus. I found it surprising during my case review that the school district did not require annual ride-alongs as part of bus drivers’ annual evaluations. It […]