1 Safety Audit Checklist Rebecca C. Manúz Grand Canyon University EAD-505: Education Law Dr. Cherri Barker May 1, 2022 2 School Safety Audit For each risk factor indicate the extent to which you think it applies to your school. Not Present Minimally Present Moderately Present Extensively Present Do not Know Comments Neighborhood and School Risk Factors Vandalism in neighborhood High student mobility Graffiti in neighborhood Gang activity in neighborhood Crime in neighborhood Poverty in neighborhood Trespassing on school grounds Parent withdrawal of students due to safety concerns Sex offenders in neighborhood Students adjudicated for weapons, drugs, alcohol, or assaults Bullying, intimidation, harassment in school Lack of student support services Truancy X X X X X X X X X X X X X Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 3 Criterion Not Assessed Not Applicable Yes No Comments Grounds and Building Exterior Graffiti is promptly documented/photographed then removed after discovery. There are central reporting anti-intruder alarms X X Building Access There is a policy, system, or practice of ensuring secure entry and exit Written permission is needed to remove students from grounds by custodial/non-custodial parents, friends, mentors, and relatives. Students must have written permission to leave school grounds There are written procedures to guide access to the building by staff before and after school hours Office staff are all aware of parents/relatives who cannot pick up a student Office staff are aware of custody issues that can be contentious Staff members present in the building after school hours are required to sign in and out X X X X X X X Keys and Identification Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 4 There is a master key control system to monitor keys, entry cards, and their duplicates Keys and entry cards are audited annually The school has a Knox box/lock box or other system to provide quick access to keys by law enforcement All staff members are required to wear photo ID badges Staff members are required to turn in photo ID badges and keys upon termination of employment Students are required to wear photo ID badges X X X X X X Visitor Procedures Visitors are required to wear visible, dated identification Contractors and visitors are required to sign in Contractors and vendors are required to wear visible, dated identification Visitors are escorted, when deemed necessary within the school Visitors are required to sign out and surrender visitor’s badge before leaving school X X X X X Building Interior Unused areas of the school can be closed off when not in use after school hours Lockers are available to students X X Monitoring and Surveillance A School Resource Officer is present during school hours X Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 5 Remote and isolated hallways are monitored by security cameras School buses are equipped with security cameras All security camera recordings are retained for at least 30 days There is a central security system Staff members monitor restrooms during school hours: _____ times/day Specific persons are designated to secure buildings after activities Local law enforcement/security personnel provide afterhours patrols of the school site All safety-related parent/media inquiries are directed to a designated spokesperson In the event of an emergency during school hours, procedures are in place to contact parents and the community with instructions School files and records are maintained in locked, vandal proof, fireproof containers or locations The school regularly backs up important computer files There is a current list of staff who are trained in CPR or the use of AED’s After the School Day, Staff Members are Assigned to Check the Following: All classrooms locked All bathrooms unoccupied and/or locked Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 6 All exterior doors locked All security lights are on Emergency Operations Plan There is an updated map of the school’s layout with room numbers, evacuation routes, utility shut-offs, and location of first aid kits An updated copy of the map is provided to local law enforcement, fire, and hazardous materials response units The school has an established chain of command that will handle emergency response The school has designated an on-site incident command post Emergency Procedures Bomb threats Hostage-takings Intrusions Kidnappings Acts of violence (shootings) Hazardous materials incidents Natural disasters Emergency Practice Drills Practiced and Documented on a Regular Basis: Lockdown (3x/year) Shelter-in-place Evacuation of building (monthly) Evacuation of site Reverse evacuation (outside-in) Tornado/earthquake The evacuation plan includes procedures for Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 7 persons with limited mobility The evacuation plan includes procedures for persons with special health needs The evacuation plan includes an alternative evacuation site School Climate and Culture The Student Code of Conduct is reviewed and updated annually. The Student Code of Conduct is provided to all parents X X The Student Code of Conduct Includes Statements Regarding: Anti-bullying, antiharassment, antidrug/alcohol, and antiviolence policies Interviewing policies by school, law enforcement, and protective services personnel Locker search policies Dress code Disciplinary Procedures Disciplinary practices focus on the root causes of problems and provide problem-solving strategies Disciplinary consequences for infractions to the code of conduct are fairly and consistently enforced Alternatives to suspensions and expulsions are built into the disciplinary policy Procedures used to make decisions about student behavior are well-known to students and staff Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 8 Parent and Student Involvement Parents are an integral part of the school’s safety planning and policy development Students are represented on the school safety planning team Students are actively involved in promoting a positive school climate A large percentage (>60%) of students participate in extracurricular activities Reporting There is some type of anonymous hotline whereby students and staff may report incidents or suspicious activities (e.g., Campus Crime Stoppers) There is a process in place to systematically collect, review, and share discipline referral data General Climate Respect for diversity is emphasized schoolwide Staff members are visible in the hallways supervising/interacting with students during school hours Staff members monitor stairwells during school hours Staff and Student Training Administrators, teachers, and other staff members receive annual training in conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. Administrators, teachers, and other staff members receive annual training in bullying prevention Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 9 Staff knows proper protocols for checking suspicious packages Staff is trained to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary (persons, behavior, containers, vehicles, broken air vents, etc.) Staff is trained in how to respond to threats of students, including threats found in schoolwork, notes, journals, or overheard by other students Front office staff knows how to respond to a bomb threat or other threatening/suspicious phone calls Students receive training in positive social skills, violence prevention, conflict resolution, and communication/decisionmaking skills Students receive training specifically on bullying prevention Students receive training in sexual harassment/gender respect The school has implemented a character education or social skills program schoolwide Students receive training on digital citizenship regarding social media and online bullying, sexual harassment, etc. Referral Resources The school has a process to identify and serve the needs of students most at risk for engaging in disruptive behavior Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 10 The school has staff members trained to identify and work with potentially dangerous students There is a well-developed network of service providers to which students can be referred Grounds and Building Exterior The school has a marquee (or some other sign) visible from the road clearly indicating the school’s name Grounds are fenced in appropriate areas Gates, if present, are secured when not in use The perimeter of the building is clear of safety hazards and/or debris Mechanical, electrical, and other equipment on ground level is surrounded by a protective enclosure Shrubs and foliage are trimmed to allow for good line of sight and to prevent people from hiding behind them The exterior of the building is free of graffiti Ground floor windows have unbroken panes Access to the roof is restricted (no climbable plantings/architecture) Areas surrounding trailers/portables are adequately lit Paved pathways are positioned to provide the shortest walk between the two points they connect Exterior doors allow for keyed or card reader reentry Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 11 Buses, Parking, and Pickup/Drop-off The bus loading/unloading zone is monitored by staff Bus loading/unloading zones are clearly marked Fire zones are clearly marked Parking lots are adequately lit Access points for parking lots are gated Student drop-off/pick up is limited to specific areas Student drop-off/pick up areas are relatively free of bottlenecks and congestion (outside of normal highvolume times) Student drop-off/pick up areas are monitored Parking lot has signs to direct staff, students, and visitors to designated parking areas Parking lots are in view of the building or monitored by security Bicycle parking is in view of the building or monitored by security Play/Outdoor Recreation Areas Play and recreation areas are protected with fencing Fences are in good condition Vehicular access is restricted around play areas Play apparatus are free from sharp edges, and protruding or loose bolts or screws Ground cover is adequate to provide protection from falls Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 12 Emergency vehicles can access play and recreation areas easily Bleachers are wellmaintained (painted with no signs of rust) Play areas are monitored when in use during school hours Building Access The school has designated a single point of entry/exit to each building The designated points of entry are monitored to control building access School staff monitor all entrances and exits during arrival and departure of students Signs are posted listing items not allowed inside the school (e.g. drug-free, gun-free, smoke-free) Visitor policy/procedure signs are posted at all entrances Visitors are required to show picture ID and sign in Building Interior Hallways are uniformly and adequately lit Stairwells are uniformly and adequately lit Hallways are free of graffiti Restrooms are accessible Restrooms are uniformly and adequately lit Restrooms are free of graffiti Restroom stall walls are free of graffiti Restroom stall doors are lockable Toilets, urinals, sinks, and soap dispensers are in good working order Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 13 Paper towels or air dryers are available in restrooms There is an adequate supply of toilet paper in all restrooms Mirrors are free of damage The main entrances to the restroom have doors that cannot be locked from the inside Classroom doors can be locked from the inside Classroom windows can be covered if needed (lockdown) All classrooms and offices are locked when not in use Common area is uniformly and adequately lit Hallways and public spaces are clean and in good repair Hallways leading to exit doors are free of obstructions Handrails are appropriately placed and in good condition All exit signs are lit, clearly visible, and point in the correct direction Locker areas are well lit Unassigned lockers are secure/locked All interior glass (doors, windows) is properly installed and repaired Floor coverings are properly installed and in good repair (no loose tiles or shredded carpet, etc.) All chemicals, poisons, flammable material, etc. are stored properly There is adequate access to fire extinguishers Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 14 Fire extinguisher boxes latch closed Fire extinguishers are inspected annually Fire drill procedures and maps are posted in every classroom There is adequate access to AEDs Staff is aware of CPR and AED certified personnel Valuable items are secured (computers, cameras, document cameras, etc.) Formal and informal gathering areas are monitored inside and outside The following are kept locked and access controlled: Electrical panel access doors Doors opening into interior areas like courtyards during non-classroom hours Boiler and mechanical rooms Air vents Custodial closets Monitoring and Surveillance Security cameras are stationed outside of school Security camera locations provide maximum coverage of ground Security cameras are stationed inside the school Communication Systems There is 2-way communication between the main office and: Classrooms Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission. 15 Local law enforcement School-based law enforcement Portable classroom buildings Ball fields School nurse Custodial staff School buses/transportation dispatch All classrooms are equipped with a system to communicate in an emergency The school has access to a weather radio and monitors it regularly. Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos. https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits Used with permission.
