If you have any questions, comments or concerns about school safety and security, please send them directly to [email protected]. Please reframe from posting perceived campus safety issues or shortcomings on social media. This activity has the potential to place our children and staff at unnecessary risks.
Staying Safe at School
The safety and security of students and staff is a top priority in Seminole County Public Schools. We work closely with local, state and federal agencies to ensure that our school district meets regulatory requirements and utilizes preventative safety measures. The Office of School Safety and Security is a collaboration between Seminole County Public Schools and the Seminole County Sheriff' s Office in order to facilitate the elements of our integrated proactive security initiative. The School Safety and Security Manager serves as the liaison between the Schools and the Sheriff' s Office. This position is in direct support of Seminole County Public Schools' mission and the Sheriff' s Office commitment to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.
The School Resource Officer Program has recently expanded to include a deputy sheriff or officer in every Seminole County school. This collaborative relationship between law enforcement officers, teachers, school personnel and parents represents one of the most proactive strategies in community-oriented policing and crime prevention. By applying this philosophy within the school, the School Resource Officer is able to assist school administration in providing the most secure and orderly environment possible. Additionally, School Security Officers are full-time Seminole County Public School employees assigned to middle schools, high schools and specialty centers to enhance security measures at these facilities.
All of our schools have an Emergency Response Plan to inform personnel of necessary action to take in the event of a critical incident. The plan is based upon the Nation Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS), which is a nationally recognized emergency management methodology used by public safety agencies, schools and businesses. The ICS provides an organized approach to managing emergencies from time of discovery all the way through to recovery and resuming full school operations. Schools regularly participate in emergency drills in order to be prepared in a crisis situation.
In 2000, the School Board entered into an agreement with the SpeakOut Hotline. This program provides three 24-hour monitored services that allows students, parents, or community members to anonymously report concerns regarding drugs, weapons, bullying, harassment, violence, abuse, suicide, or other problems by calling (800) 423-TIPS (8477), online at www.speakouthotline.org, or by downloading the app P3 Tips. SpeakOut has contributed to the district' s ability to be proactive in responding to various situations before they escalate to the crisis level.