National School Safety Leaders To Convene In Orlando For July Conference

In early 2023, the School Safety Advocacy Council (SSAC) convened with leaders from the National School Safety Advisory Board to establish the Coalition of School Safety Directors. This initiative aims to shift the focus from product-driven strategies to prioritising the safety of children and staff. The coalition will be non-product-affiliated, marking a significant change in the school safety industry.

The Coalition of School Safety Directors is set to hold its inaugural meeting in July at the National School Safety Conference in Orlando, Florida. This event, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will gather over 1,400 school safety professionals from all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and more than 12 other countries. It is recognised as the largest assembly of school safety decision-makers globally.

While technology that aids school safety is supported, there is concern among seasoned leaders that national standards are being driven by product sales rather than genuine safety needs. The coalition aims to address these concerns by focusing solely on effective safety measures without commercial influence.

The weeklong event will cover various critical topics such as Arming Teachers, School Safety Standards, Mental Health, and Threat Assessment. These discussions are crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to enhance school safety across different regions and contexts.

Curt Lavarello, Executive Director of SSAC, emphasised the importance of this gathering. "We have led the charge in the field of school safety for the past 20 years," Lavarello stated. "Having this many school safety decision-makers under one roof will significantly change our opportunity to save lives," he added.

For more information about the National School Safety Conference, visit www.SchoolSafety911.org.