The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched the K-12 School Security Guide Companion Product for School Business Officials, aimed at supporting physical security planning and implementation in K-12 schools and districts. Released on Friday, this resource provides school business officials with essential guidance to build and maintain effective physical security systems.
Key Roles of School Business Officials
School business officials play a critical role in enhancing school safety through resource allocation and strategic planning. They are instrumental in managing financial, operational, and technical upgrades within K-12 schools. Additionally, they assess long-term maintenance and funding requirements, as well as identify dependencies related to school safety investments over time.
Guidance and Best Practices
This companion product is designed to supplement CISA’s existing K-12 School Security Guide, introducing fundamental concepts of school physical security. It empowers school business officials to make informed decisions regarding physical security investments and improvements. Key features of the resource include:
- Participation in Security Planning: Guidelines for involvement in the school security planning process.
- Core Elements of Security Systems: Insights into critical components of a school’s security system.
- Detection, Delay, and Response Strategies: Strategies for implementing layered security measures across school campuses.
Assessment Tools and Funding Opportunities
The resource also highlights how school business officials can leverage tools like the School Security Assessment Tool and the SchoolSafety.gov Grants Finder Tool. These tools help assess vulnerabilities within K-12 campuses and identify funding sources to support physical security initiatives.
This new companion product is part of CISA’s broader K-12 School Security Guide Product Suite, which aims to enhance school communities’ capabilities to protect against targeted violence and crime-related threats. By providing essential resources and best practices, CISA seeks to strengthen the safety and security of K-12 educational environments.
