Strategic Plan Progress Report
Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is a top priority
Now that we are back in session for the 24-25 school year, we wanted to update you on the progress on our Strategic Plan, specially in the area of Safety and Security. Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff in K-12 schools is a top priority for educators and administrators. Strategic planning has become a vital component in creating a safe learning environment amidst rising concerns about school safety. Here are some key items our group has completed this school year and items we are looking at for the future.
We have attended various training scenarios and conferences including: AVI (Active Violence Incident training), Mi-BTAM (Michigan Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management), and School Mass Shooting and Critical incident Preparedness Forum. Also, we are developing future opportunities for staff training (including back to school safety reviews), and created emergency response teams. Safety Equipment/Facility Improvements include: Classroom Nightlock Shades - District Wide, Emergency Evacuation Maps – District Wide, Critical Incident Mapping - District Wide, Additional security cameras and camera upgrades (on going), Additional keyless entry systems (on going), Enhanced employee ID badges, Window Safety Film, and New Interior Classroom Doors where needed. We also proposed to add a district level position to oversee all Safety and Security, which was approved.
This summer, the Charlotte Police Department, Charlotte Fire Department, & Charlotte Public Schools, in conjunction with the Eaton County Active Violence Team, conducted a full-scale Active Violence Training exercise at the Charlotte High School on August 1st, 2024. This was part of our continued effort to prepare and train for an effective multi-agency response to an active violence incident in the tri-county area. This exercise included numerous volunteers and took over a year to plan, but allowed us to complete two different scenarios and work with our partners to practice, learn and improve our emergency responses. We appreciate the cooperation and efforts of our local partners and staff as we focus on our district’s safety and security!
Go Orioles! Oriole Pride!
Dr. Mandy Stewart- CPS Superintendent
