The nation’s education institutions have a clear responsibility to create safe and secure learning environments. While schools have multiple measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, the occurrence of active shooter incidents and violence in and around schools nationwide has increased in frequency. The community of San Bernardino is not immune to tragic incidents having experienced one of the nation’s most devastating terrorist attacks at the Inland Regional Center on Dec. 2, 2015. Two years later, a shooting occurred in a classroom at North Park Elementary in San Bernardino City Unified. In both instances, school and city officials and emergency responders acted swiftly and efficiently. San Bernardino County has a history of strong, collaborative interagency partnerships that have created a foundation for effective crisis planning and response, while prioritizing the social/emotional needs of students as key to creating safe and trusting school environments. This expert panel of educators and law enforcement will share insights and best practices based on roles and experiences in providing safe school environments and the lessons learned in crisis response.
