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Safety & Security Protocols for Board of Education Meetings

security policy updateAugust 5, 2024 -- As Columbus City Schools prepares for the 2024-2025 school year, ensuring safety and security remains one of the district's highest priorities. To proactively address potential concerns, the District is introducing enhanced security measures for all Columbus Board of Education meetings.

Effective August 6, 2024, all guests, including CCS staff, and Board members, attending Columbus Board of Education meetings will be subject to screening by CCS Safety & Security personnel. Security Screenings will include the use of handheld metal detector wands, and walk-through screening detectors. The District reserves the right to inspect all items entering its facilities.

Before the business meeting, Board members will hold office hours from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., allowing community members to engage with them individually to ask questions and share thoughts or concerns. The Board Business Meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the South Administrative Building, 3700 S. High Street, Room 825, unless otherwise noted. All attendees for office hours or regular board business meetings will be required to enter through the walk-through screening detectors located on the north side of the building.

"Ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our top priority. With the rise in safety concerns nationally, it's crucial that we implement enhanced security measures, including detector screenings,” said Columbus Board of Education President Christina Vera. “These protocols are essential to providing a secure environment where everyone can feel safe and focus on their education and work. By taking these steps, we are proactively addressing potential threats and fostering a culture of safety within our school community."

CCS Safety & Security staff will direct all guests to the Board meeting room. We respectfully ask visitors to avoid lingering in the hallways. After the meeting concludes, all guests are requested to promptly exit the building.

“The Office of Safety & Security is dedicated to creating a secure environment for all students, staff, and visitors in our District,” said Safety & Security Director Chris Baker. “We work closely with the Board of Education to implement effective safety measures and stay ahead of potential risks. Our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure school district is unwavering, and we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety and security. As our team continues to review and research best practices, it is understood that any new protocol will have an initial impact however, it is important to know that good security is never convenient.”  

For more information on the District’s Safety & Security protocol visit the Metal Detector Screening Procedures webpage.

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