Dupage Policy Journal

The Community Unit School District 200 is actively pursuing multiple grants to enhance the district's safety in the coming years. 

During the board of education meeting held on May 10, the CUSD200 district introduced assistant superintendent Dr. Charlie Kyle and Franklin Middle School assistant principal Joseph Kish. 

Kyle leads the school safety team, while Kish provides occasional assistance due to his personal passion and interest in the subject. 

"I do enjoy the opportunity to speak about school safety," Kyle said. "It's one of the things that I deal with almost every day in my job. And it's something that Joe Kish and I probably talk [about] multiple times a day." 

Both Kyle and Kish are part of the DuPage Safety Committee, which convenes regularly to discuss effective strategies for schools in their region. The district's safety teams collaborate closely with local police and fire departments to maintain open communication and stay updated on safety protocols for various emergencies and potential scenarios.

"We have a safety committee that we're going to talk a little bit about, but we also work really closely with our police and fire to make sure that we're bringing best practice to District 200," Kyle said.

Kyle presented various preventative measures implemented this year, including promoting reporting systems, fostering a positive school climate, and addressing individual student needs.

Kyle initially presented the preventive measures implemented during the current year. One of the measures entitled, “See something, Say something,” includes an anonymous reporting tipline, and a trusted adult network program, to allow students or district members to report something suspicious right away. 

"We have all these preventative things that we're doing that our school safety," Kyle said. "You might not think they are, but they are."

Additional measures were introduced to enhance the school and student environment, prioritizing their well-being and health, in order to proactively prevent situations that may cause distress to students or families. These measures encompass the expansion of clubs and activities for students of all ages, the implementation of emotional wellness programs and support systems, as well as the adoption of personalized behavioral frameworks tailored to individual students rather than relying on generic consequences.

"And the more we do on this side, the less we have to do what Joe Kish and I work on, which is the school safety that you think of school safety,” Kyle said.

Notable school safety achievements include equipping all D200 classrooms and learning spaces with emergency bags containing first aid and supplies, implementing action guides in classrooms, and conducting the first Table Top exercise with Wheaton Police and Fire Departments in two decades.

The joint organization discussion focus was on safety incidents necessitating reunification, resulting in the establishment of improved communication protocols and a comprehensive plan for the safe and prompt transportation of students and their reunification with parents. Additionally, numerous staff members underwent training or retraining from organizations such as ALICE and Homeland Security programs.

Moving forward the administration has plans to seek grants to enhance district safety through measures while prioritizing comprehensive planning for various safety scenarios.

Funds will be allocated towards implementing key fob access systems, installing front door intercoms in all 21 buildings, and enhancing staff training. Moreover, they are committed to thorough planning, training, and preparedness for various safety scenarios such as school shootings, fires, severe weather, the presence of wild animals, mental health emergencies, and both digital and medical virus threats..