Council Rock Superintendent: School Safety A Priority

Newtown PA

09 June, 2022

4:35 PM

Description

NEWTOWN – When it comes to school operations, "safety" is priority one, according to Dr. Andrew Sanko, Council Rock's new superintendent of schools. "Of the many aspects of school operations that we engage in at different levels, perhaps there is none more important than school safety," wrote Sanko in a letter to the community. "The sad incident in Texas is a reminder for us all to be vigilant, emphasize our obligation to student safety, reflect on current practices, and consider ways to solidify our preparedness." Council Rock, he continued, has "definitive and up-to-date safety plans in place" that are practiced to not only raise awareness, but to better ready staff and students should they ever need to be actively implemented. Council Rock is one of many school districts across the nation reviewing its safety and security procedures following a school shooting on May 24 in Uvalde, Texas that killed 19 children and two teachers. So what is Council Rock doing to secure its schools? "My first day on the job, I met with the police chiefs whose departments serve Council Rock, and I also attend monthly Threat Assessment meetings with district personnel, first responders, and law enforcement to continuously review and refine our practices and systems," wrote Sanko. In addition, this week central office administrators, the district security manager and a board member met with Don Mihalek, executive director of the Federal Law Enforcement Association, who offered guidance on how Council Rock can maintain and improve its security preparedness. At Council Rock, Sanko said students and staff regularly participate in fire, safe shelter and ALICE active shooter training drills. "Our students and staff are familiar with protocols and regularly practice their response, often under the supervision of police and emergency responders," said Sanko. The district also maintains security cameras at all of its facilities; conducts periodic district-wide threat assessment/security audits to update or improve security measures; and holds frequent ALICE drills that involve students in an age-appropriate manner. "Our goal is to include students in the process so they can be active participants their safety," said Sanko. School security, he said, is a joint effort that requires everyone to commit to addressing cultural/human practices. "To that end, we have implemented several industry standard best practices, which are periodically reviewed by subject matter experts, and include some of the following practices: enhanced school access protocols and entrance practices for all buildings; securing all points of egress, to include doors and windows; and enhanced community communications, which maintains an avenue of information between schools, first responders and families." In recent years, Sanko said the district has also increased its elementary counseling staff by three to better support students at that level. In addition, the district maintains a staff of counselors, social workers, CARES coordinators (secondary), and nurses to monitor the needs of students; provide direct intervention; and work with families to obtain services within the community as needed. "These services are supplemented with contracts with other service providers to address unique special needs and circumstances that are identified," he said. "Concerning 'Safe-to-Say' reports are brought to the attention of members of our student services team members," said Sanko. "Child Study Teams in all buildings meet regularly to discuss the social, emotional and behavioral needs of students in addition to academic needs when any member of the school staff or families make a referral. "The district's 'Students First. Always' ethos prepares us to serve our students in every way possible," said Sanko. "Safety is an element that we take as seriously as any other aspect of our obligation to Council Rock students and families. Council Rock's safety measures are responsive to our community and can adapt as needed. Students, staff and families will be apprised of changes as they occur."