{"id":94128,"date":"2026-02-10T08:43:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T14:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=94128"},"modified":"2026-02-10T08:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T14:43:10","slug":"usd-489-board-of-education-hears-crisis-preparedness-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=94128","title":{"rendered":"USD 489 Board of Education hears crisis preparedness update"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By ALICIA FEYERHERM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiger Media Network<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

School Psychologist and 489 District Crisis Consultant Julie Zollinger provided an update on crisis preparedness during Monday\u2019s Board of Education meeting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The district uses Raptor Technologies for various purposes. The app tracks compliance with state-mandated drills and other situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, over 800 \u201cTeam-Assists\u201d have been activated since 2025. These are non-emergency but high-needs situations in which staff request immediate support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within \u201cTeam-Assist\u201d, there are the following sub-types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Principal to Front Office
\u2022 Medical Assistance
\u2022 Student Concern
\u2022 Fight in Progress
\u2022 Irate Parent
\u2022 Suspicious Activity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHigh usage is actually a positive sign, as it means staff are comfortable using the tool and proactively seeking support before situations escalate,\u201d Zollinger said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The district used a school safety grant to cover the initial purchase and setup of the software, and now pays an annual fee for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the year, Zollinger coordinates staff training and tabletop exercises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStaff engagement was high and the exercises helped reinforce roles and expectations,\u201d Zollinger said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The drills incorporated law enforcement to practice inter-agency coordination, and the before-and-after training surveys indicate noticeable improvements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through an Ellis County Communications School Mapping Grant, law enforcement will have access to more accurate school layouts during emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the USD489 School Safety Webpage<\/a> was launched to provide a centralized location for safety resources. A monthly safety newsletter is also sent out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upcoming projects include the Behavior Threat Assessment Training and the development of a reunification plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Behavior Threat Assessment Training is a 7-hour virtual training provided by Raptor, which helps participants distinguish serious, substantive threats from transient threats that are not serious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reunification plan refers to the best practices for reunifying students with their<\/p>\n\n\n\n

families as quickly as possible to mitigate psychological harm following emergency situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re taking a complex, deliberate approach so that when the plan rolls out it is practical, scalable, and easy for staff to follow during an emotionally difficult situation,\u201d Zollinger said. \u201cAlthough we\u2019ve accomplished a great deal, we know there is much more work ahead.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Board member Craig Pallister thanked Zollinger for her work on the crisis plan. She has been in charge of the crisis plan for over 20 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other items from the meeting included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n