At the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) 2025 in Orlando, Florida, school safety took center stage. Kacey Sensenich, a retired Chief Technology Officer of Rockingham County Schools in North Carolina, shared actionable insights during her session, “EVERY Second Counts: Ensuring the Safety and Security of Our Schools.” Her message was clear: improving school safety requires breaking down the challenge into manageable steps, starting with foundational policies and moving systematically through layers of physical security.
Sensenich introduced attendees to the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) framework, which categorizes school security into five layers: districtwide, property perimeter, parking lot perimeter, building perimeter, and classroom/interior perimeter. This structured approach allows schools to prioritize their safety upgrades incrementally.
“The average age of schools in my former district is 57 years. Our newest schools are 25 years old,” said Sensenich, highlighting the challenges of upgrading older buildings. She urged educators to focus on policies first, saying, “If there’s no policy about teachers not propping open doors, then everything beyond that is kind of pointless.”
At the district level, schools can implement low-cost solutions to strengthen safety, including physical security standards, annual assessments, and regular lockdown drills. Visitor management systems and volunteer background checks, while requiring some investment, can often be streamlined. “Visitor management doesn’t have to be overly complicated,” Sensenich explained. “It just needs to ensure a system is in place.” She also emphasized practical measures, such as marking entrances for first responders. At Rockingham County Schools, doors were numbered to help emergency personnel navigate buildings more effectively. “If I call 911, I can say, ‘Enter through door 16,’” she noted, “rather than relying on ambiguous directions.”
The property perimeter layer addresses outdoor safety measures, including lighting, designated visitor entrances, and wide-coverage cameras. Landscaping is another critical consideration. “Shrubs that block camera views can be an issue,” Sensenich warned. “They’re cut back one year, but by the next summer, they’re a problem again.” Schools should also evaluate how lighting affects camera performance, as infrared cameras may be hindered by certain lighting setups. Mass notification systems for outdoor events and activities further enhance safety at this layer.
In parking lots, clear signage and communication tools are essential. Labeling parking areas, providing visitor parking tags, and installing emergency communication devices can streamline access and improve safety. Cameras, strategically placed, are vital for monitoring activity and identifying potential threats.
The building perimeter layer introduces more complex and costly upgrades, particularly for older structures. Features such as secured vestibules, video intercoms, and one-way window films can significantly enhance security but may require substantial funding. Access control is critical at this level. Sensenich highlighted the importance of secure doors, monitoring systems, and alarms for exterior access points. “If you’re building a new school, these features should already be in place,” she said. For older buildings, these upgrades might require phased implementation.
At the classroom level, securing doors remains a top priority. “No classroom with a locked door has been breached in the United States,” Sensenich stated. However, she cautioned against overcomplicated barricade systems, which could inadvertently create new risks. Teacher training is equally important. Substitute teachers must also be equipped with tools and knowledge to keep students safe. “Have you provided them what they need, or are they left scrambling during a lockdown?” Sensenich asked.
Communicating progress and priorities to school boards and administrators is vital. By demonstrating achievements and outlining specific goals, school leaders can build trust and secure the necessary funding. “Show them what you’ve accomplished,” Sensenich advised. “It keeps the conversation focused and avoids overwhelming stakeholders.”
FETC 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration and incremental progress in school safety. By adopting the PASS framework and addressing each layer systematically, schools can enhance security while managing costs and resources effectively. As Sensenich reminded attendees, every second counts when it comes to protecting students and staff, making proactive planning and execution critical.
