Valley Central School District officials recently unveiled the 2022-2023 District-wide School Safety Plan and a public hearing is set for September 12, at 5:30 p.m., preceding the Board of Education Meeting. The 37-page document outlines protocols and procedures pertaining to safety across the school district.

The document begins by identifying members of the District-wide School Safety Team which consists of representatives from the school board, teachers, administrators, students, parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel. Superintendent of Schools Michael Bellarosa will act as the Chief Emergency Officer and is responsible for coordinating communication efforts between law enforcement, first responders and staff in the event of an emergency. Bellarosa will also be in charge of the completion and annual update of building level emergency response plans.

As part of the efforts to prevent violence, the District-wide School Safety Plan calls on administrators, staff, students, families and the community to be vigilant when it comes to protecting the school community. “To be effective, violence prevention programs require community-wide collaborative efforts that include students, families, teachers, administrators, staff, social and mental health professionals, law enforcement, emergency response personnel, security professionals, school board members, parents, the business community, etc.”

Topics identified under the District-wide School Safety Plan include: School Security, Reporting, Student Rules (Per the Code of Conduct), Anti-Bullying Programs, Bullying Resources, Anti-Gang Programs, Suicide Prevention, Risk Reduction and other initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of crisis situations or mental health emergencies within the school community.

The plan also discussed utilizing area resources during a crisis situation and the chain of command for communication to other school officials in addition to families. In the event of a crisis, mental health professionals and teams will be dispatched and available to Valley Central students, families and staff.

The public is invited to view the 2022-2023 District-wide School Safety Plan and offer public comment during the review period prior to September 12. Information regarding how to make a public comment is available on the school district website: vcsd.k12.ny.us.