by Chuck LaFata, Director of Operations
West Clermont Schools
Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared with you different facets of our safety plan, both ongoing efforts and new initiatives. This spring and summer, we’ve honed in on strengthening our building security and enhancing our relationship with local law enforcement.
In June, the district Operations team hosted a roundtable with all local police jurisdiction representatives and building administrators. Together they:
- Reviewed the response to the most recent safety event at West Clermont,
- Discussed safety and crisis communication processes,
- Ensured first responders have adequate access to all buildings and rooms in case of emergency,
- Scheduled and conducted ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) training for all staff,
- Set up active shooter training for later this summer, and
- Increased School Resource Officer (SRO) coverage at our elementary buildings.
On August 5th, the district conducted its first physical threat assessment at the high school. The assessment team included the high school SROs, our education security consultant, the building’s administrative team, Technology and Operations. The goal is to identify functioning physical security currently in place as well as identify areas where increased physical security is warranted. The team will move on to the middle school followed by all elementary buildings.
To further enhance district security efforts, this fall West Clermont will conduct a full-scale security training day that will include police, fire, administrators, the district safety team, technology department, and Operations. Most of the training will be led by police and local emergency management.
Finally, all building security plans have been updated with the Ohio Department of Education. If new procedures are recommended once additional training and assessments are complete they will be added to these plans.
We are committed to providing our students, staff and visitors with the most secure buildings possible, and appreciate all that our community does to support our efforts.
To review a full list of our safety initiatives, please visit the Safety & Security section of either our new district website. Our goal is to revise, strengthen and add programs and protocols as necessary to ensure our staff and students have access to a safe learning environment.
