Partners in the Planning Process

School districts and individual schools should not attempt to create their plans in isolation.  This will only lead to misunderstanding, lack of trust and less than a desirable response should one be needed.  It is for this reason that at a minimum the following entities be involved in the preparation, planning and testing of the response plans:

·        Law enforcement (local, regional and/or state)

·        Public Health

·        Mental Health

·        Local government (representative from the Mayor’s office)

·        Fire Safety Officials

·        Emergency Medical Services

These partners will be able to provide excellent guidance, training and assistance in complying with federal mandates such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Schools and school districts are under extreme pressure to produce significant and sustained academic growth; we believe that this can best be accomplished in a safe and nurturing environment.  This environment not only has a viable emergency response protocol, but has encouraged and promoted caring relationships between students and adults.  It is through these types of relationships that a truly safe and healthy environment can exist.   

While schools remain the safest place for school-aged children, there are new issues that challenge our thinking, protocols, planning, response and recovery processes.  We now must think about and plan for the following: 

                                                         1.         Pandemic/Infectious Diseases

                                                         2.         Terrorist Attacks

                                                         3.         Chemical/Biological/Nuclear/ Explosive Venues

                                                         4.         Business Continuity Planning (how do we continue to meet our business demands – payroll, insurance, building maintenance, etc.)

                                                         5.         Continuity of Operations Planning (how do we continue to carry out our educational mission)

                                                         6.         Workplace Violence

                                                         7.         Parent Reunification Policies

                                                         8.         Media Relations (the role of the Public Information Officer)

                                                         9.         After Action Reporting

                                                       10.       Documentation of Efforts

                                                       11.       Bullying

                                                       12.       School Related Cyber Crimes (bullying, theft, etc.)

                                                       13.       Even Ordinary School Visitation

                                                       14.       Field-trip Safety and Child Protection

                                                       15.       Non-custodial Parent Procedures