As USD 475 officials discuss future safety and security measures for the school district the possibility of hiring a director of emergency preparedness for the school district has been suggested.

Bill Clark, Director of Business Operations, noted after meeting with community partners it was determined to be more appropriate to title the position Director of Emergency Preparedness than Director of Security. ” He noted it would involve more of an overall approach. “Focusing not just on security, but on security, safety, all aspects, weather hazards, so forth.”

School officials met recently with the Chief of Police for Topeka USD 501 to gain his insight and recommendations on school preparedness and security. Clark said he gave them five priorities to consider.

–Hire a Director of Emergency Preparedness

–Work with FEMA to do an overall audit of the District

–Adopt a holistic education program for the team members in the district, communities members, and families

–Focus on building relationships with community partners

–And look for potential grant funding to fund some of those opportunities

Clark confirmed the next step will be for staff to develop options for the Board of Education to consider. They could range from maintaining the status quo to hiring of an emergency preparedness director, or some sort of hybrid.