The VCSD Security Department is responsible for the coordination, development and promotion of emergency service operations, with a key focus putting our students, faculty and staff and the public we serve at the center of all our policies, procedures and best practices.
District Safety Plan
As required by state education law, the Valley Central School District maintains a District Safety Plan . The plan is designed to prevent or minimize the effects of emergencies and to facilitate the coordination of school with local and county resources.
Visitors to Valley Central Schools
The Valley Central School District uses the Visitor Aware System in all of our schools to strengthen our program of campus safety for students and faculty. Part of keeping our students safe is knowing who is in our buildings at all times, the Visitor Aware System allows us to screen visitors, contractors and volunteers and provide a safer environment.
Upon entering a district building, visitors will be asked to provide an ID such as driver’s license or non-driver ID, which can be scanned into the system. If a parent or guardian does not possess a US government ID, the school staff member can use another approved form of identification and enter the information manually. The Visitor Aware System will check to ensure that a registered sex offender is not entering the campus without our knowledge. The Visitor Aware System checks the visitors name and date of birth with a national data base of registered sex offenders. (The registered sex offender data base ID is the ONLY official database checked by the Visitor Aware System. No other data is gathered or recorded from an outside agency).
Once entry is approved, the staff member will issue a lanyard with a badge that identifies the visitor, the date and destination (The visitor’s ID will then be maintained until the visitor returns the lanyard and pass to the staff member). The visitor will then be escorted to and from their destination.
The Director of Security and Emergency Preparedness will coordinate emergency management programs and activities associated with preparation for, response to, and recovery from natural or man-made disasters or emergencies. The responsibilities of the Director include:
- Overseeing and coordinating the planning, development and implementation of a security program within the district
- Assisting in the investigation of all incidents on school property involving school personnel, students or the general public
- Plans, develops and implements security and emergency planning procedures in accordance with Federal, State and local regulatory requirements.
- Develops and coordinates appropriate workshops and training to keep the district current with changes in laws and regulations; acts as a liaison between all regulatory agencies, both local, state and federal.
- Assists in the recruitment, training and evaluation of subordinate security personnel.
The Security Department works with the Technology Department to coordinate safety measures through technology.
Addressing Mental Health Issues
VCSD also employs a Social Emotional Support Specialist. The District believes that mental health issues are as important to address when considering school safety as are security issues. The Social Emotional Support Specialist focusing on de-escalation and conflict resolution. The duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Plan and implement de-escalation and conflict resolution programs with students district-wide
- Assist with student meditations district-wide
- Train staff on de-escalation and conflict resolution as well as other necessary trainings
- Be part of the Building Equity, School Climate, and Safety Committees
- Work with the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness to plan Safety meetings
- Assist with safety drills and work on improving the same
- Participate in threat assessments district-wide
- Research and provide recommendations for mental health supports
- Develop community engagement programs and provide support to community outreach programs for “at-risk” students
- Work with administrators on discipline referrals and train them on restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches to discipline