Schoolwide Safety Training: Ohio District Experiences Success

With increasing concern over school violence, many districts are ramping up safety measures and preparing staff to act effectively in the event of an emergency. To learn how Fairfield City Schools in Ohio implemented schoolwide staff safety training, we spoke to David H. Foster (right), the district’s support services director. Fairfield was one of only 23 school districts awarded an Ohio Department of Education “Stellar Award” for Health, Wellness and Nutritional Practices for the 2011-2012 school year.

How has implementing safety training gone over with educators?

The training has gone over very well. Educators understand, even more so today than ever before, that such training will provide them with the necessary tools to assist in any emergency. SafeSchools Online Staff Training System, the program we use, also provided helpful implementation support to ensure educators and staff were comfortable. Buy-in from employees is key to successful training.
 

Are there any new risks that didn’t exist 10 years ago, but of which administrators are now aware? 

Of course, bullying has become a major issue, as has identifying those students who may be suffering from major mental or emotional distress. There’s a heightened awareness now for students’ well-being and personal safety.
 

Has safety and compliance training already displayed clear benefits for students?

Yes. Through adopted Board policies and staff professional development, which includes online training courses, more attention is given to the student population as it relates to safety. Our students are safer today because of the safety and compliance training initiatives at the district.
 

Do staff members see a noticeable difference in the degree of safety in and around their schools? What’s different about newer safety and compliance standards? 

Yes, particularly in the past few years. Major events in the country have forced all districts to step up awareness as it relates to both student and staff safety. In addition to enhancing safety measures to protect students and staff, school districts are dealing with increasing and ever-changing safety and compliance training mandates. Having a flexible, dynamic training system in place helps districts adjust their initiatives quickly.
 

When did safety and compliance training become a larger focus for educators? Why? 

Safety and compliance training really became a focal point in the past few years, with so much attention given to school shootings, bullying and major health issues now seen within the student population. Districts had no choice but to seek out ways to incorporate such training as part of professional development for all employees – administrators, teachers and staff.
 

What role does an increased awareness of gun violence play when planning today’s safety measures? 

Awareness plays a major role. Zero tolerance toward all weapons now applies to all students. Also, implementing A.L.i.C.E. training district-wide has helped students understand how to combat such a threat.
 

Where have you seen the biggest improvements in safety? Is it measurable at this point? 

I’ve seen notable improvements in the District Safe & Secure Team here at Fairfield, which has broken off into three major subgroups to address exterior-interior security, school bus security and mental health issues. Professional development is now geared toward these areas. Also, purchases in security equipment have improved exterior security.
 

Who has been most vocal/active about improving school safety measures? Parents? Teachers? Educators? All of the above? 

All of the above. After any school shooting in the U.S., we are inundated with calls from parents, press and Board members wanting to know what we have in place to address such an issue. Creating a safe teaching and learning environment is our highest priority every day.

Article by Jason Cunningham, EducationWorld Social Media Editor
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