APPROVED April 13, 2023 Schools Safety Task Force Meeting Summary

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3. Presentation by Karen Fairley with the Center for Safer Schools Facilitator Bryan introduced Karen Fairley from the Center for Safer Schools, sharing her biography with the Task Force. Karen Fairley with the Center for Safer Schools addressed the Task Force and expressed her enthusiasm with the establishment of the Task Force, noting that she was not aware of any similar effort ever before in North Carolina. She shared that 2023 was the 10t" anniversary of the Center, and that she joined the Center in 2016, becoming its Executive Director in 2021. She noted her passion to make the 1.35 million kids in North Carolina schools safer. Ms. Fairley shared a PowerPoint document (attached to this summary for reference purposes) as part of her presentation to the Task Force. She discussed the Mission, Vision and Values of the Center. She referenced Prevention, Mitigation, Response and Recovery, noting that a majority of the Center's efforts were focused on Prevention and Mitigation. There is definitely a need for Response and Recovery, but focusing on Prevention and Mitigation hopefully limited Response and Recovery. She added that every school safety event presents new issues, questions, and concerns and brings attention to things that were previously missed. Ms. Fairley shared information regarding the delineation of North Carolina into eight regions, and the plan for the Center to utilize eight school safety specialists in the regions to support the respective school districts. She noted that all the areas were different and schools were different, and safety in Dare County where students are transported by ferries is different from safety in the NC mountains. Ms. Fairley moved forward to discuss Physical Security and Design, noting Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). She highlighted the need for emergency management and fire officials to build relationships with schools. Ms. Fairley also discussed the use of natural access control, demarcation of school property, natural surveillance, landscaping, and windows and lighting as tools to promote safety. Ms. Fairley then addressed Vulnerability Assessments and Comprehensive Safety Plans and the need to conduct reviews and updates on an annual basis to address changes and include up to date information, including schematics which are required by state law. Ms. Fairley shared information and statistics from the Anonymous Reporting System, noting definite concerns related to bullying/cyberbullying and suicide. She also addressed Threat Assessment Teams, as well as the need for mass communication to stakeholders in preparation for potential events. Ms. Fairley referenced the four phases of emergency management, State Emergency Response Application (SERA) and School Risk Management Plans (SRMP). She noted