Implementing District Safety Standards at the Site Level

Abstract

Since 9/11 and Columbine, school safety has become a prevalent issue in education policy in the United States. As a result, states and school districts have responded with innumerable efforts to improve school safety. Harrison County Schools, located in West Virginia, received federal funding to supplement surveillance equipment at middle and high schools in the district. This equipment was used to help address school behavior issues and safety, as well as to establish a collaborative relationship with local emergency responders. This article is a case study of the lead school in the project, Robert C. Byrd High School. Qualitative and quantitative data revealed that enhanced technology had a significant and positive effect on perceptions of safety. However, administrators should be careful to recognize school culture as the deciding factor in implementing safety efforts.