So much to accomplish

As I continue to review and update plans there are several assumptions that are made by the agencies that are preparing emergency templates for school districts to follow.  Those assumptions are that each school district has an IT coordinator, a safety/security director and a certified peace officer or police department.  I work in the panhandle of Texas where there are approximately 154 school districts or charter schools.  Of those 154 districts 75% of them have less than 1000 students and 35% of those have less than 250 students. 

Most of those assumptive duties do not exist in a pure format in most of these districts (even some larger districts) but are given to staff that already have a multitude of obligations.  Those school districts do a great job but often work to keep their head above water by in many areas, which often includes safety and security.  Don’t get me wrong all those districts have great concern for the safety of their staff and students but still must meet all the same expectations as large school districts.   Districts must depend on Education Service Centers, Texas School Safety Center, TEA Office of Safety & Security or outside sources for direction and assistance in completing and implementing their plans.  Many of the communities that these school districts serve depend on minimal emergency and law enforcement services, which makes planning even more difficult.

My frustration is that many agencies employ staff that have little to no background in public education and do not have the knowledge base necessary to understand the day to day of the smaller school districts.  If there is an expectation that districts have these positions, then there must be funding provided that can be earmarked for these specific needs.  The State of Texas has provided some funding for facility upgrades and equipment but has provided little for appropriate staffing in these areas.  We have all read about districts that have implemented facility adds but have do not have the staff who understands how to operate it.  

Enough said for today.  Thanks for letting me rant.  Overwhelming for districts.  Just pray there isn’t a lot of box checking.  If there is a way that I can help, please don’t hesitate to contact me at EOPlannersllc@gmail.com.