Key points:
- District leaders will want to shore up vital compliance elements before the new school year kicks off
- These areas include school wellness, hazard plans, and information surrounding medical procedures
- See related article: 4 best practices to support and retain school leaders
As summer nears an end, now is the time for school and district leaders to review and update key plans, policies, and procedures. By getting these essential elements in place and up to date before students return to the classroom, you enhance the safety, well-being, and compliance of your schools. Here are seven areas that you should prioritize before the end of summer.
1. A school safety plan is the foundation of a well-prepared educational institution, and nearly all states require them. These plans may include:
- Strategies and protocols to address potential threats
- Emergency response procedures
- Evacuation plans
- Effective communication strategies
Schoolsafety.gov provides a Safety Readiness Tool with a series of 10 questions covering the following topics:
- Designated staff
- School climate
- Reporting systems
- Threat assessment
- Emergency operation plans
- Site assessment
- Staff and faculty training
- Student training
- Exercises and drills
- Recovery plans
Make sure to incorporate lessons learned from recent incidents or drills and explore emerging technologies that can enhance safety. And importantly, share the safety plan so that all members of the school community are aware of their roles and responsibilities during emergencies.
