Navigating School Safety in 2025 – From Crisis Planning to Community Connection
At Facilitron University 4, school leaders and public safety experts came together for a timely and thought-provoking panel discussion on how schools are evolving to meet today’s complex safety needs. Moderated by Cheryl Galloway, the session titled “Securing Our Future: Navigating School Safety in 2025” brought together professionals from Gilroy Unified, Fort Bend ISD, Boston Public Schools, and Albuquerque Public Schools to share strategies and stories grounded in real-world experience.
Their message was clear: school safety is no longer about locks and drills alone—it’s about systems, people, and proactive partnerships that support the whole school community.
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Technology That Works with People
From cloud-based camera networks to AI-driven analytics, Aurelio Rodriguez of Gilroy Unified shared how his district leverages real-time data to prevent incidents and respond more effectively. He recalled a situation where his system helped identify a suspicious vehicle across multiple campuses by color and make, and within 15 minutes, he had a full report of every time that car had been on district property.
Smart technology extends to access control as well. All doors on campus are now monitored for propping violations. The system alerts his team if a door is left open too long, allowing for immediate action and follow-up. It’s not just about surveillance—it’s about control, context, and accountability.
Rentals, Responsibility, and Real-Time Oversight
Genyne Vinson of Fort Bend ISD illustrated how safety doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Her district manages community and after-hours use through a detailed operational framework that includes staffing plans, walkthroughs, and digital scheduling via Facilitron.
She shared a moment where a principal blamed a facility renter for damage, but footage revealed a staff member was actually responsible. That transparency wouldn’t have been possible without a centralized system.
“Every internal and external event has to go into Facilitron—it’s our accountability layer,” Genyne explained. “If it’s not in there, it’s not happening.”
This level of integration ensures that after-hours activities are monitored just as closely as the regular school day—and that facility use remains aligned with district policies and public expectations.
Shifting Culture: From Command to Connection
Neva Coakley, a former Boston police detective and district safety leader, highlighted Boston Public Schools’ shift from traditional law enforcement models to a more community-centered safety strategy. That shift included mobile support units, community connectors, and embedded staff who students recognized—not just as authority figures, but as allies.
“Safety isn’t just about stopping bad things from happening. It’s about creating conditions where students feel like they belong—and where adults are equipped to help,” she said.
This approach isn’t reactive—it’s relational. From joining after-school events to attending safety meetings, Boston’s community connectors built trust by showing up consistently and proactively. Neva emphasized that when students feel seen, supported, and safe, schools become stronger across the board.
Data-Informed, People-Driven Decisions
John Dufay of Albuquerque Public Schools explained how his district uses key-tracking systems and smart scheduling to ensure that no door is opened without a record—and if it is, security is dispatched. That level of operational insight helps them protect physical spaces while supporting broader efforts around communication and transparency.
He also spoke to the district’s use of “Let’s Talk,” a platform that allows students, staff, and families to report concerns confidentially and receive responses within 24 hours. These are monitored not only for resolution but for response quality and time.
The panel repeatedly returned to a common idea: effective safety relies on documentation and communication—not just for compliance, but for connection.
As Neva put it, “Documentation creates conversation. And conversation builds connection.”
Final Thoughts: Safety is Everyone’s Job
Across all four districts, the message was clear: safety is not just a job for law enforcement or administrators—it’s a shared responsibility supported by systems, technology, and culture.
From laser-cut keys and occupancy sensors to trauma-informed training and community-first models, school safety in 2025 requires a new kind of leadership—one that blends security and humanity, structure and empathy.