Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the inaugural members of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, a group of school safety experts and education leaders that will provide advice and recommendations on practical ways to enhance K-12 school safety and security. The board will advise the DHS secretary through the Cybersecurity […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement with Accel Schools Ohio LLC to address lead paint concerns and asbestos at three of its schools in Ohio: Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy, and STEAM Academy of Warren. Accel is a public charter school system that operates 77 in-person charter schools, primarily in Ohio, and 15 […]
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, the Fauquier County Fire Rescue System, and Fauquier County Public Schools in Virginia, successfully conducted a full-scale active shooter/reunification exercise aimed at bolstering the safety and security of K-12 schools on June 27. The exercise was held at Kettle Run […]
The National Education Association (NEA), in partnership with the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, has released the “NEA School Gun Violence Prevention and Response Guide.” This comprehensive guide provides resources, tools, and practical recommendations to equip educators and others in the school community to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from gun violence in Pre-K–12 schools and institutions […]
The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools across the country and made health and safety top priority once they reopened. Although the pandemic is thankfully behind us, it remains essential to protect students and staff from all types of infectious diseases. As leaders plan for the new school year ahead, now is a good time to double […]
It’s crucial for your school to continuously reassess its approach to safety throughout the year, establishing new goals and strategies as needed. Reviewing current policies, anticipating future trends, and taking a proactive approach will help your school prepare effectively to address and prevent potential issues. Start by Conducting Thorough Assessments Improving school building safety involves […]
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. “Duty of care” refers to the moral and legal obligations of employers to keep their employees, staff, contractors, vendors, and volunteers safe and secure when in the workplace, and when traveling on company business. According […]
The School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) approved $47 million in competitive grants to improve safety, security, and mental health support for students and staff at schools across the state. The new awards complete the $155 million school safety and security grants program launched in January 2024. “As […]
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. Spring has arrived in much of the United States: flowers are budding, and frosty mornings are giving way to longer, sunnier days. With these changes comes another, less-welcome seasonal threat: wildfires, which produce excessive […]
The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) is providing additional funding of up to $1.5 million to provide new, easy-to-use school safety planning software to more public and charter schools. The funding comes in two programs: one to provide physical security assessments (PSAs) and a second that allows schools to create specific emergency operation plans […]