The meeting’s focal point was a presentation by Guidepost Solutions, a consulting firm tasked with assessing the district’s current safety and security protocols. The consultants underscored the absence of a unified security plan across Revere Public Schools (RPS), which hampers effective management and response to potential threats. Although individual schools possess emergency operations plans, they lack alignment with recognized standards for high-quality emergency preparedness, as per guidelines from schoolsafety.gov. The consultants stressed the need for a structured approach to developing, reviewing, and updating these plans, which would involve clear roles and responsibilities at both the district and school levels.

The discussion also covered the importance of implementing a district-wide Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), with particular attention to enhanced drills coordinated with local police. These drills ensure that each school undergoes emergency training approximately every other year, contributing to a safe environment. Additionally, the committee acknowledged the existence of a robust bullying reporting program, though a bystander reporting program remains under development. This program aims to provide multiple avenues for reporting issues, such as online forms, texts, or anonymous calls, potentially identifying threats beyond bullying and harassment.

A significant gap identified during the meeting was the inconsistent availability of panic or duress devices across schools. While some schools have these critical emergency alert systems, most do not, prompting discussions about expanding their installation to key locations like the principal’s and nurse’s offices. The effectiveness of access control systems was also scrutinized, with some committee members advocating for the use of fobs over traditional keys for better tracking and management capabilities.

Video surveillance systems were another point of concern, with many existing cameras reportedly inoperable or difficult to maintain. The absence of advanced surveillance technology, such as edge-based analytics or artificial intelligence, limits the district’s ability to proactively monitor incidents. The committee discussed the potential benefits of investing in advanced technologies similar to those used in other security-intensive environments, such as casinos, which can detect threats like concealed weapons.

The meeting also addressed the integration of security systems, noting that the current setup lacks cohesion. The door access readers are not integrated with CCTV or intrusion detection systems, which hinders effective management and response. A unified system was proposed to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, with the school administration considering how to proceed with this integration process.

Classroom security was another important topic, with all doors currently secured manually. While the existing manual flip locks comply with state guidelines, there is ongoing debate within the industry about the merits of electronic locks for classroom doors. Manual locks are seen as reliable, but electronic locks could offer greater security and convenience.

The role of School Resource Officers (SROs) and security personnel was also discussed, with the committee reviewing security staffing models to ensure they align with community expectations and school safety needs. Each school is assigned a security officer, with additional SRO support provided across various schools. The visibility of security personnel was praised for fostering a sense of safety and rapport with students, though there was a suggestion to potentially employ retired police officers to enhance security presence.

Compliance with security policies, such as the requirement for staff to wear identification badges, was another area of concern. Instances of non-adherence were noted, prompting calls for stricter enforcement. The meeting also explored the security of classroom doors, particularly those connecting classrooms, which could compromise security if left unlocked.

The layout of school buildings and their design features were scrutinized for potential security risks. Hidden spaces and the absence of ballistic performance design in buildings were noted, alongside the lack of forced entry mitigation measures for ground floor windows. The committee also highlighted the need for improved lighting around school properties, as several lights were found to be out during a survey conducted after hours.

Training programs for staff and students were commended, including CPR, first aid, fire drills, and specialized drills for various emergency scenarios. The school’s communication systems, comprising an IP phone system and a two-way radio system, received praise for facilitating efficient communication during emergencies.