School leaders continue to receive inquiries and pressure from students, staff, parents, and the media about safety measures put in place in their districts.
Districts also appear to be seen as bigger targets after violent episodes.
Litigation and related claims from attorneys alleging that inadequate security measures were taken to protect students and others in the school environment are on the rise. In an effort to address the pressures about safety concerns from within and outside of their districts, many boards and administrations have turned to outside consultants, service providers, and product vendors to assess their safety needs. Board members and administrators often use these individuals to conduct safety assessments, advise them on how to prioritize implementation of their safety programs, evaluate crisis plans, train staff on security and crisis strategies, audit existing security and school police department operations, and perform associated consultation services. A number of school leaders also have tied in safety and security needs to their school levy and bond plans, as well as to their community education and public relations plans. School officials across the nation have reported that they have been bombarded with sales pitches for products and services related to school safety following the high-profile school violence incidents of recent years.