In an era of escalating threats and constrained budgets, school administrators and facility leaders are under pressure to secure campuses more effectively and efficiently. The Evolving State of School Security equips participants with a clear, strategic framework for enhancing school safety through layered security planning, access control, and integrated system design. Drawing from industry standards such as the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), this session cuts through the complexity and noise of the security marketplace to offer evidence-based, cost-conscious solutions. Real-world case studies and expert insights provide actionable takeaways that can be implemented immediately—regardless of school size or resources.

Credits: 1 LU | HSW AIA; 0.1 ICC CEU

At the end of this session, attendees will:

1. Examine the effectiveness of current school security measures by comparing them with nationally recognized best practices, such as those from PASS, to identify areas of vulnerability and improvement.
2. Analyze various access control technologies—both mechanical and electronic—for their applicability, scalability, and ROI in specific school environments.
3. Evaluate an integrated physical security system that optimally combines multiple technologies (e.g., surveillance, access control, emergency notification) into a cohesive, school-wide safety solution.
4. Assess a grant-ready, evidence-based proposal that outlines a strategic security upgrade plan, incorporating cost-benefit analysis and alignment with known funding sources and compliance guidelines.