Page 33 - PCPA Fall 2024 Bulletin Magazine

ENHANCING SCHOOL SAFETY WITH CRG: SUCCESS STORY FROM BEAVER
COUNTY’S SOUTH SIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT
to the system, shown the maps,
and instructed on safety protocols.
The feedback was overwhelmingly
positive. Kavals recounts:
"The teachers appreciated the
detailed training and felt reassured
about their safety and the best ways
to communicate their location. We
emphasized that adhering to these
protocols is crucial for maintaining
security and improving emergency
response."
CRG's effectiveness extends beyond
active shooter scenarios. Kavals
shared an incident from years earlier
that he feels would have been
resolved more quickly had CRG's
mapping been on-hand:
"In my first year, a student walked out
of school intending self-harm. While
we managed the situation with state
police and volunteer departments,
CRG would have significantly
streamlined the response. The ability
to utilize grid-based maps and
understanding neighboring locations
would have provided invaluable
support in locating the student
quickly."
In that case, delays occurred in
pinpointing the student’s location
and effectively communicating
among responders. CRG could have
drastically reduced the time lost in
coordinating efforts, allowing for a
quicker, more decisive response.
Funding and Accessibility
By using PCCD grants to cover the
costs of mapping, SSSD ensured that
financial constraints did not hinder
the adoption of this critical safety
measure.
Kavals explains: "It’s crucial for
schools to know that funding
opportunities like the PCCD grants
are available. Implementing CRG
costs us nothing, and the benefits
are immeasurable. Schools should
explore these funding options to
enhance their safety protocols
without financial burden."
Continuous Improvement and
Future Plans
SSSD's commitment to safety
continues. The district is currently
undergoing significant construction,
including renovations to the
elementary school, and plans to
update the CRG maps accordingly.
South Side School District's proactive
approach to safety through CRG has
set a benchmark for other rural school
districts nationwide. By integrating
advanced mapping technology
with existing safety systems, they
have created a seamless, effective
emergency response framework.
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FALL 2024 BULLETIN