Utah Workshop

Utah School Safety Workshop

Workshop Information:

This workshop is specific to the unique emergency management planning and training needs that Charter Schools, Private Schools, and Public School Districts in Utah face on a daily basis. If a school district has Charter or Private schools within their boundaries, standardized emergency response and communications plans need to be in place pre-incident in order to maximize school safety and return to normalcy. School safety, safe school culture and climate, suicide prevention, digital and behavioral threat assessment, and negligence issues referenced as causal factors in school Mass Causality Incident After Action Review reports will be topics of workshop presentations. All presenters are Subject Matter Experts in their roles related to school safety, and attendees will leave with take-aways they can immediately implement into their school safety programs.

A presentation on Alyssa’s Law including wearable panic buttons, a presentation on tactical GIS mapping of schools to assist in law enforcement response, and a 2-hour tabletop exercise dealing with school Active Assailant Response and Student/Family Reunification, will be incorporated into this workshop on Day 1.

The full agenda for both days is listed below. Please click on the presenter’s name to view their biography.
Workshop hours will be 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Monday and 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM on Tuesday.

Target Audience:

School Safety Specialists, School Administrators, School Safety Team Members, School Board Trustees, School Counselors, Mental Health Professionals, School Resource Officers and Law Enforcement personnel involved with schools. Also any staff involved in safety or emergency response at a school and parents involved in home or school student safety and well being. 

Registration:

Registration for this workshop will open November 15, 2024. An email will be sent to School Safety Specialists and Superintendents when registration opens. Registration and additional workshop information will be at www.SchoolSafetyOps.com.

We will be capping this workshop at 50 attendees in order to keep it interactive, and it will fill up. It is recommended those interested in attending register early.

If you have any questions about registration, please contact Jeanette Mitchell at jeanette@schoolsafetyops.com

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Hourly Schedule

Day 1

8:00 am - 8:30 am
Sign in and networking:
8:30 am - 9:45 pm
Current Events in School Safety
School Safety best practices and statutory requirements change, so we have to keep up with those changes through planning and training for emergency response. Charter and private schools also have specific needs when it comes to emergency response and emergency communications planning. This session will look at changes to recommended practices in school safety based on After Action Review reports recently released on multiple school Active Assailant incidents. Compliance with Utah Senate and House Bills passed in 2024 amending Utah Codes Annotated and Utah Administrative Regulations related to school safety will also be referenced in this workshop. School Emergency Operations Planning and negligence issues related to failure to plan, train, and target harden will also be components of this presentation. If we understand negligence in school safety, we will understand school safety.
Speakers:
Jeff Kaye
9:45 am - 10:00 am
Break
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Managing School Emergency Incident Response and use of the School Incident Command System:
Using the principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) are the only effective methods of running a school emergency incident response and accepting services from emergency response agencies at a school. Charter and Public Schools in the U.S. have been required to use NIMS and ICS in all emergency response planning and training under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD5) since July 1, 2005. Any emergency plans and response actions that are not in compliance with NIMS and ICS could be deemed as non-compliant and result in negligence related liability issues at a school or school district. Non-compliance issues have been documented in multiple school mass casualty After Action Review reports, to include the report on the Robb Elementary School killings in Uvalde, TX. This session will look at use of the NIMS and ICS principles and how to incorporate them into the school emergency management system to maximize school safety. An example of using the ICS organizational structure during a Student/Family Reunification will be used to demonstrate this management system.
Speakers:
Jeff Kaye
11:00 am - 11:15 am
Break
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Alyssa’s Law and Wearable Panic Buttons in Schools
The State of Utah adopted Alyssa’s Law in March of 2024 under House Bill 84. The law was named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year old student who was killed in the 2018 Stoneman-Douglas school killings. This law requires all school staff to use wearable panic buttons for use in emergency law enforcement notification during a lockdown or Active Assailant incident at a school. This presentation will look at the need for wearable panic buttons that actually assist with notification, compliance with Alyssa’s Law, how to incorporate the panic buttons into the school Emergency Communications Plan, how this technology works, and how the Centegix System worked during the 2024 Apalachee High School Killings in Winder, GA.
Speakers:
Troy Bennet and Dr. Larry Hauser, Centegix Company
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch hosted by the Centegix Company and Networking on site
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Multi-Agency Response to a School Emergency Incident
Any large scale emergency incident at a school, especially a Mass Casualty Incident, will generate a Multi-Agency response to the school. It is important schools and school districts prepare for this pre-incident in order to effectively work through an incident with emergency responders from different agencies who might not be familiar with the school or school staff. This session will look at components of the NIMS concepts of Unified Command and Multi-Agency Coordination Systems pertinent to school emergency management planning and training.
Speakers:
Bruce Kirby, Jeff Kaye
1:45 pm - 2:00 pm
Break
2:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Tabletop Exercise on a School Mass Casualty Incident Response and Student/Family Reunification:
Exercises are a key component of emergency management and response preparedness. They provide opportunities for all agencies involved in a school emergency response to test capabilities, evaluate existing programs, and improve emergency planning and training. Tabletop exercises are an excellent method of maximizing use of valuable training time, as they are not as time consuming as live exercises and provide participants with an understanding of their own responsibilities during an emergency response. For this exercise, a Mass Casualty Incident at a fictional school based on a recommended scenario from the FEMA Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) will be used for group discussion. Each small group will be given as assigned area of responsibility based on the scenario to discuss in their group. Each group will then present on their assigned area to the full group. The exercise will conclude with a Hot Wash session to improve planning based on the “SMART” concepts, which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable. Relevant, and Time Based goals for improving emergency management programs. Emergency Communications Planning and breaking down the response using principles of the Incident Command System will be central response capabilities tested during this exercise. No “fear based” training concepts or graphic imagery will be used in this presentation.
Speakers:
Bruce Kirby, Jeff Kaye
4:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Hot Wash Group Discussion
4:30 pm
Conclusion of Day 1

Day 2

8:00 am - 8:30 am
Sign in and networking
8:30 am - 10:45 am
Youth Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention in Utah (a break will be taken during this segment):
Utah Codes Annotated require various suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention policies and plans for schools and school districts. This presentation will address the various requirements for schools and how to implement them effectively.
Speakers:
Emma White
10:45 am - 11: am
Break
11 am - 11:30 am
School GIS Mapping to Assist in Emergency Incident and Tactical Law Enforcement Response to Schools
Schools and school districts in Utah are required to provide law enforcement agencies with mapping as part of the House Bill 84 requirements of coordinating to establish appropriate access and response protocols to the schools. Providing site mapping to law enforcement is also a recommended best practice for schools and school districts throughout the U.S. The recommended best practice is source referenced in the Department of Justice 2024 After Action Review report of the Robb Elementary School Killings. Lack of adequate mapping was cited as a causal factor in the delayed law enforcement response and increased death toll in that attack. The MGT Consulting Company is working with schools in several states to provide GIS mapping that can be used for law enforcement response to an emergency incident at a school, or used internally for informational purposes during a natural hazard response such as an earthquake or other event impacting a school.
Speakers:
Georgia Leonard and Isaac Johnson, MGT Consulting
11:00 am - 11:15 am
Break
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch hosted by MGT Consulting
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Digital and Behavioral Threat Assessment, A.I. Trends, and Cyber Threats to Schools (Breaks will be provided):
Cyber threats and SWATTING incidents affecting safe school culture and climate are on the rise, and will continue to trend in that direction due to the popularity of A.I. These threats tax resources in the schools, law enforcement, and the entire community. Schools and law enforcement can work through these types of threat incidents through use of Digital Threat Assessment. This interactive presentation by a leading Subject Matter Expert in Digital and Behavioral Threat Assessment will include the following Learning Intentions:  Early identification strategies for potential safety concerns, at-risk student behavior, and suicide intervention.  Integration of digital data in behavioral threat assessments to support the State of Nevada Behavioral Threat Assessment and Safe Voice Anonymous Reporting programs.  SST Case walkthroughs containing worrisome behaviors related to substance use, mental health concerns, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.  Deciphering coded language and A.I. advancements.  Comprehensive threat assessment methodologies that can assist both schools and law enforcement programs.  Worrisome Online Behavior (WOB) Reports, what they are, how to use them, and how they can assist in early identification of at-risk student behavior. The Digital Threat Assessment program is currently being piloted through POOL PACT in the Pershing County School District. Due to the popularity of social media being the main means of communication for our youth, the Digital Assessment program is a necessary component of any Behavioral Threat Assessment program. Based on the Pershing County pilot program, other Nevada school districts might be interested in bringing the Digital Assessment into their Emergency Management programs
Speakers:
Steven MacDonald
4:30 pm - 4:45 pm
Hot Wash Group Discussion
4:45 pm
Conclusion of Workshop
Jeff Kaye
Jeff Kaye
Founder of School Safety Operations, Inc.
Jeff Kaye stands as a prominent figure in the realm of school safety, holding the position of President and Founder at School Safety Operations Inc. His organization is at the forefront of providing emergency management, response planning, and training services to educational institutions across the United States and Canada. Jeff’s journey into school safety commenced in 2008 when he embraced the role of Director of Security and Safety Services at Desert Sands Unified School District in La Quinta, California. This career pivot followed a distinguished 25-year tenure in law enforcement, culminating in his retirement. During his eight-year tenure with the school district, Jeff laid the groundwork for what would become his enduring commitment to enhancing school safety. In 2011, Jeff founded School Safety Operations Inc., a milestone that marked a significant expansion of his efforts to improve the safety and security of schools. Under his leadership, the company has been dedicated to delivering comprehensive planning and training services tailored to the unique needs of schools and school districts. In 2011, Jeff founded School Safety Operations Inc., a milestone that marked a significant expansion of his efforts to improve the safety and security of schools. Under his leadership, the company has been dedicated to delivering comprehensive planning and training services tailored to the unique needs of schools and school districts. A key focus of School Safety Operations Inc. is conducting Hazard and Vulnerability Assessments aimed at infrastructure target hardening. These assessments are critical components of the firm’s strategy to bolster the resilience of educational facilities against potential threats, thereby ensuring the safety of students and staff. Prior to his involvement in school safety, Jeff had a career in law enforcement with the Reno, NV Police Department, retiring at the rank of Sergeant in 2007. His law enforcement career was notable for specialization in undercover and tactical response operations. Jeff played a supervisory role in the tactical response to the March 2006 Pine Middle School shootings in Reno, an experience that underscores his expertise in handling critical incidents. Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff Kaye is an accomplished author. His bibliography includes two school emergency management reference books, a true crime novel, and two fiction novels, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge in both factual and imaginative writing.
Troy Bennet and Dr. Larry Hauser, Centegix Company
Bruce Kirby
Bruce Kirby
Lead Project Consultant and Trainer at School Safety Operations Inc
Bruce Kirby stands as a pivotal figure at School Safety Operations Inc., where he excels in his roles as a Lead Project Consultant and Trainer. His tenure with the organization began in November 2012, marking the start of a significant phase in his career dedicated to enhancing school safety protocols and training programs. Prior to joining School Safety Operations Inc., Bruce lent his expertise to the U.S. State Department’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau. In this capacity, he served as a Senior Police Advisor, a role that saw him stationed in the Kurdistan area of Iraq. Here, Bruce was instrumental in providing comprehensive training to local law enforcement agencies, a testament to his commitment to fostering global security and law enforcement proficiency. Bruce embarked on his law enforcement journey in 1982, initially serving as a Deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. His career spanned nine years in this role, after which he transitioned to the Reno, NV, Police Department. Bruce’s dedication and exemplary service led him to retire at the rank of Lieutenant in 2011, culminating a 21-year tenure filled with various investigative and supervisory accomplishments. Throughout his extensive career, Bruce has been deeply involved in law enforcement training. His experiences have equipped him with a profound understanding of tactics and target hardening strategies, particularly in the context of school emergency management and response. At School Safety Operations Inc., Bruce leverages his vast knowledge and experience to contribute to the development of safer educational environments, ensuring that schools are well-prepared to manage and respond to emergencies effectively.
Emma White
Emma White
Statewide Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the Nevada Department of Education and Project Aware Manager with the Office of Suicide Prevention
Emma White wears many hats including being an Author, Professional Speaker, Podcast Host, and Founder and President of the Life Is Worth It Organization. In her day job, she is the Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Nevada Department of Education and the Project Aware Manager for the Office of Suicide Prevention, where she specializes in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies on local, state, and federal levels.
Georgia Leonard and Isaac Johnson, MGT Consulting
Steven MacDonald
Steven MacDonald
Director of Training & Development Safer Schools Together
Steven joined Safer Schools Together (SST) in 2019 after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria. As the Director of Training and Development, he collaborates closely with SST CEO and Founder, Theresa Campbell, to design and implement crucial training programs such as Behavioral and Digital Threat Assessment® (BDTA) and Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA), among others. An accomplished trainer, Steven has trained thousands of professionals across North America, including personnel from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), various law enforcement agencies, K-12 school districts, and higher education institutions. His expertise extends to fostering safer school environments by equipping teams with the knowledge and tools to conduct accurate threat assessments. Before assuming his current role, Steven gained invaluable experience as a Senior Threat Analyst, where he specialized in collecting and analyzing social media data to support Safety/Threat Assessment teams. His contributions have played a pivotal role in addressing high-profile school safety cases across Canada and the U.S. In addition to his technical expertise, Steven has a background in language analytics and artificial intelligence, acquired through his work with major media corporations in the tech industry. This knowledge, combined with his deep understanding of social media trends and online behaviors, enables him to take a hands-on approach to data collection and threat assessment. As a respected presenter, Steven also conducts workshops and training sessions for school administrators, law enforcement, community partners, students, and caregivers. His presentations focus on social media awareness, online safety, and strategies for managing threat-related behaviors in the digital age. Steven’s unique combination of skills in technology, social media, and threat assessment make him an invaluable asset to communities across North America in fostering safer, more secure environments.
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Date

Feb 03 - 04 2025

Time

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Cost

$350.00

Location

Davis Conference Center
1651 N. 700 W. Layton Utah

Organizer

Jeff Kaye
Phone
(775) 233-8317.
Email
jeff@schoolsafetyops.com
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