The Safety and Security Framework provides urban K-12 districts with a roadmap for creating learning environments that are both safe and welcoming. It helps district leadership, including superintendents and directors of facilities, safety, and transportation, move toward actionable, system-level improvement by integrating safety into strategic plans, budgets, and calendars. The resource is designed to support districts in conducting customized self-assessments rather than following a single model or checklist. Key takeaways include:
Structure: Establishing clear ownership from high-level leadership and maintaining cross-functional internal partnerships among departments such as facilities, academics, and student support.
Prevention: Adopting a Whole Child Approach to support social and emotional well-being and using Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management to identify internal and external risks.
Mitigation: Implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and a layered approach to physical security, ranging from the property perimeter to the classroom.
Response and Recovery: Using After Action Reviews to identify systemic gaps and developing reunification and long-term emotional support plans.
The resource features a comprehensive self-assessment survey that operationalizes these principles into measurable indicators. This tool covers Efficiency and Effectiveness, Health and Safety Planning, Discipline Policies, School Climate, Safety Programs, Facilities and Equipment, and Transportation. It is intended as a living tool to drive continuous improvement and stakeholder dialogue through honest self-reflection.