ADE Summit 2025

Dr. May and Jerry Keefer will discuss evolving trends in school safety and a critical examination of high-profile school shootings. This session will provide detailed debriefs of the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas—analyzing key failures, emergency response outcomes, and systemic gaps revealed through official investigations.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the timeline and critical response elements in the Parkland and Uvalde incidents
• Identify key safety and communication challenges highlighted in post-incident reviews
• Examine recent trends and data in school-based violence and active shooter events
• Discuss proactive strategies for improving school emergency preparedness and threat assessment

A presentation on creating an emergency operations plan (EOP) for public schools using the DESE EOP template outlines essential steps for preparedness and response. Topics include risk assessment, communication strategies, evacuation procedures, and coordination with first responders. The Safe Schools Unit emphasizes proactive planning, staff training, and student safety to ensure a swift, organized response to various emergencies.

A presentation on best practices in public school safety and security, highlighting key strategies for ensuring a secure learning environment. Topics include emergency preparedness, threat assessment, access control, staff training, and student engagement. The Safe Schools Unit will discuss proactive measures, crisis response protocols, and collaboration with law enforcement to enhance school safety effectively.