These Four Pillars to Safety Can Minimize Harm
But there are multiple types of safety, and to make schools a truly safe place to learn, leaders must address the four pillars of safety: physical security, prevention, mental wellness and cybersecurity solutions.
According to CoSN’s 2024 State of EdTech District Leadership report, cybersecurity is the No. 1 concern for K–12 IT leaders. Independent schools, which often store an even greater amount of financial and sensitive information than public schools, may be more attractive to hackers. To combat bad actors, Westminster Christian School CIO Omar Valerio has turned his office into what is essentially his very own security operations center. “No one is immune to attacks, so you have to be proactive,” he says (see “Independent and Private Schools Address Unique Cybersecurity Threats”).
DISCOVER: How taking a two-pronged approach to safety protects students and staff.
And while schools look to lock down their networks from ne'er-do-wells, technology and security leaders are also working hard to protect the physical school grounds with artificial intelligence–driven IP cameras and video management systems.
“We have the capability now through AI to flag areas of concern,” says Hayward Finks, director of safety services at North Little Rock School District in Arkansas (see “K–12 Leaders Find Technology Helps Speed Physical Security Responses for All”).
In a world where schools are vulnerable to multiple threats, school leaders must make safety paramount so students see school as a place to shine.
