Safety and emergency management are important areas for all schools. There are lots of marketing efforts put into selling hardware and other solutions to education leaders.
While door locking mechanisms, bullet-resistant windows, lockdown blinds, and related hard-security items can be helpful the financial, labor, organizational, political, administrative, and community cost needed for this type of security may not be worth the benefit it might provide.
Institutional and system leaders should prioritize school safety culture.
Published by mcolpitts
Dr. Matthew W. Colpitts is currently a professional emergency manager in higher education. He works closely with law enforcement, fire, EMS, environmental health, student affairs, residential life, facilities services, and community partners is enhance safety and preparedness.
Matt has been an educator, administrator, and leader in higher education and K12 independent schools for over 20 years serving in the areas of residence life, university housing, student conduct, campus safety and security, emergency management, enrollment management, and student affairs. Matt has also served in educator-leader roles at diverse educational institutions including University of Washington, Clark University, Landmark College, Southern Oregon University, Utah State University, and Interlochen Center of the Arts. He is a sought-after risk and safety management consultant, working with many different types of education and non-profit institutions.
A first-generation college student from rural Maine, Matt is a proud graduate of Clark University in Worcester, MA with a B.A. in English and Philosophy. He holds an EdD from Fielding Graduate University where he researched emergency management in educational institutions. He holds the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation, the premier security credential from ASIS. Outside of school, Matt enjoys reading, traveling, and learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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