Supporting Safe Learning Environments through Preparedness and Awareness

Physical Security

District facilities have been assessed and upgraded over time to ensure the safety of staff and students. Some physical security measures include:

• Security vestibules at building entries
• Security bollards adjacent to walkways and entry points
• Single point of entry with limited building access
• Door locks and alarms
• Electronic visitor management system
• Employee ID badging
• Regular and random physical security audits conducted by the Safety and Security Department
• Security cameras

Emergency Preparedness

Each of our schools conduct monthly emergency drills for students and staff. See Policy 3432 and Procedure 3432P to learn more about drills at BSD. The drills teach and reinforce the proper response to natural events including earthquakes, fires, and tornadoes, and man-made events such as hazardous chemical spills, bomb threats and active threat events.

Some precautionary measures that may be taken during or after an emergency event include:

• Lockout – initiated to isolate students and staff inside the school from potential dangers outside the school
• Lockdown – initiated to isolate students and staff from immediate dangers that may include armed individuals, violent behaviors, trespassers, etc.
• Shelter in Place – a response to a chemical release or hazardous material incident occurring outside the building

Trained Staff

BSD employs exceptional staff that are some of the most trained personnel in the state. The Safety and Security Department personnel have extensive backgrounds in emergency management, law enforcement, military, physical security, threat management and medical response. These staff members provide instruction to administrators, teachers, custodians and support personnel in various emergency response and life-safety topics.

Other staff safety supports include:

• Multi-disciplinary school-based Safety Teams who assess risks and recommend safety improvements at the building level
• Threat assessment process and procedure to address safety concerns and provide appropriate interventions and supports (Policy No. 3225 and Procedure 3225P)
• A strong relationship with local first responders including the Bellevue Fire Department and Bellevue, Clyde Hill and Medina police departments
• Mental health services, counselors and Mental Health Assistance Teams to support students and families

Reporting Safety Concerns

Students, staff, families and community members are critical to the safety of our learning community. If you see something, say something — anyone who becomes aware of safety concerns impacting schools, students or staff, should report them to the proper authorities.

• Non-emergency school safety concerns can be reported to school and/or district staff, online through SafeSchools, by calling/texting 425-324-3875, or emailing [email protected]. All reports are taken seriously, investigated, and the proper authorities are engaged.
• Life-threatening emergencies or situations where there is immediate danger should be reported by calling 911. Situations that may involve crimes but there is not an imminent threat can be reported to the Bellevue Police Department through their non-emergency number, 425-577-5656.

Communication During Incidents and Ongoing Situations

When school and/or district leadership become aware of a safety concern, they communicate with one another — and local law enforcement, when appropriate — to determine the appropriate safety measures and next steps.

Depending on the situation and its impacts, school and district leadership may communicate directly with parties involved, or broadly with students, staff and families. Messages to these audiences may include but are not limited to in-person meetings, intercom announcements, phone calls, text messages, emails, website posts, and social media posts. Learn how to update your contact information through ParentVUE, which enables you to receive regular and emergency communication from the district.

The information that is communicated is determined on a case-by-case basis and will be shared as quickly as possible, which may be during and/or after an incident. It is important for the district to ensure accuracy of information and assess the level of confidentiality needed before anything is shared publicly. The district will share public information that has been researched and verified by official sources and approved for release by the appropriate parties, such as municipal entities, the BSD superintendent, or their designee. The district will not share information that is considered confidential — including official student records, could be considered as evidence in an investigation, or could interfere with legal proceedings should they be necessary. We acknowledge that the timing of new cycles and social media may not align with BSD’s timeline and procedure for verifying information and sources; however, it is our priority to provide the most accurate and timely information possible in accordance with district policies.

Safety & Security Resources

• Safety & Security at BSD
  • Report a Safety Concern (call 911 if there is immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency)
  • FAQ: Safety & Security
  • Lockout & Lockdown Procedures
  • Policy 3432: Emergencies
  • Procedure 3432P: Emergencies and Emergency Drills
  • Student Reunification Process
  • A Multi-Layered Approach to School Safety
  • Emergency Preparedness Training for BSD Staff
• Gun Violence Prevention
• Lock It Up: Promoting the safe storage of firearms
• Talking to Kids About School Safety