Safe School Assessment
Kentucky Center for School Safety (KCSS), Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), and Kentucky Employers'
Mutual Insurance (KEMI) are collaborating to provide safe school assessments to any school in Kentucky. These informational, independent assessments are not to be confused with an audit.
The voluntary assessment can enhance the school's learning environment by examining climate and culture.
Right- Jon Akers, Director of KCSS presents information on safe school assessments to a MSU class.
What Is The Safe School Assessment Process?
The safe school assessment provides the school with an independent look at the school's climate and culture as it relates to enhancing the learning environment.
The safe school assessment process involves many aspects, including an examination of the school and recommendations. This also provides the school with a needs assessment that can be used in developing a school safety component of the school's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.
Who Can Request A Safe School Assessment?
Any local school or school district can request a safe school assessment. This is not to be confused with an audit. This assessment is strictly a voluntary activity that includes an external assessment team that meets with the school principal, staff, students, and parents in order to gain information about the school environment.
Who's On The Visitation Team?
The visitation team can include representatives from three
agencies: Kentucky Center for School Safety (KCSS), Kentucky
Department of Education (KDE), and the Kentucky Employers'
Mutual Insurance (KEMI).). A typical team consists of six
representatives.
How Much Does A Safe School Assessment Cost?
A Safe School Assessment is a service provided by the
Kentucky Center for School Safety at no cost to the
school or district.
What Kind Of After Assessment Services Will I Receive?
The KCSS will provide or coordinate after-care service once
a school determines what areas it wishes to address. This
value-added component demonstrates the partners' intent to
provide a continuum of services when called upon, at no cost
or low cost to the school or district.
For more information about Safe School Assessments download
our
brochure
or contact Barbara Gateskill Assessment Coordinator for
Kentucky Center for School Safety by using
the KCSS
toll free number 1-877-805-4277 or
barbara.gateskill@eku.edu.
The partnership between the Kentucky Center for School
Safety and Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance enhances and
extends the quality of services that are being brought into
many of Kentucky's school districts. This is evidenced
through the valuable contribution of KEMI to the safe school
assessment process. KEMI has loss education and safety
specialists who become a part of the assessment whenever the
superintendent of a KEMI-insured school requests KCSS'
assessment service. During the assessment visit, these
well-trained professionals carefully review the school's
physical plant, working with the full assessment team to
identify and make recommendations to correct or mitigate any
safety vulnerability observed. These safety and health
experts focus daily on the specific and unique needs of
Kentucky schools to provide safer learning and working
environments for students and staff. KEMI is a tremendous
asset that helps school districts minimize risk and costly
worker's compensation claims. Since 2013, KCSS has been able
to provide schools with the additional support they seek for
enhanced safety by working in partnership with KEMI.