1

School Safety Audit

For each risk factor indicate the extent to which you think it applies to your school.

Not Minimally Moderately Extensively Do not

Present Present Present Present Know Comments
Neighborhood and
School Risk Factors
Vandalism in X
neighborhood
High student mobility X
Graffiti in X
neighborhood
Gang activity in X
neighborhood
Crime in neighborhood X
Poverty in X
neighborhood
Trespassing on school X
grounds
Parent withdrawal of X
students due to safety
concerns
Sex offenders in X
neighborhood
Students adjudicated for X
weapons, drugs,
alcohol, or assaults
Bullying, intimidation, X
harassment in school
Lack of student support X
services
Truancy X

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 2

Not Not Yes No Comments

Criterion Assessed Applicable

Grounds and Building

Exterior
Graffiti is promptly X
documented/photographed
then removed after
discovery.
There are central reporting X
anti-intruder alarms
Building Access
There is a policy, system, X
or practice of ensuring
secure entry and exit
Written permission is X Permission is needed, but the
needed to remove students school accepts phone calls from
from grounds by parents
custodial/non-custodial
parents, friends, mentors,
and relatives.
Students must have written X Phone calls are accepted
permission to leave school
grounds
There are written x
procedures to guide access
to the building by staff
before and after school
hours
Office staff are all aware of X
parents/relatives who
cannot pick up a student
Office staff are aware of X
custody issues that can be
contentious
Staff members present in X
the building after school
hours are required to sign
in and out
Keys and Identification

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 3
There is a master key X
control system to monitor
keys, entry cards, and their
duplicates
Keys and entry cards are X
audited annually
The school has a Knox X The police officers have number
box/lock box or other codes to access entry to school.
system to provide quick
access to keys by law
enforcement
All staff members are X
required to wear photo ID
badges
Staff members are required X All staff complete a check out
to turn in photo ID badges each year and this is when staff
and keys upon termination not returning turn in keys
of employment
Students are required to X
wear photo ID badges
Visitor Procedures
Visitors are required to X
wear visible, dated
identification
Contractors and visitors are X
required to sign in
Contractors and vendors X
are required to wear
visible, dated identification
Visitors are escorted, when X
deemed necessary within
the school
Visitors are required to X
sign out and surrender
visitor’s badge before
leaving school
Building Interior
Unused areas of the school X The fire doors are shut, but are
can be closed off when not not locked
in use after school hours
Lockers are available to X
students
Monitoring and
Surveillance
A School Resource Officer X
is present during school
hours

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 4
Remote and isolated X
hallways are monitored by
security cameras
School buses are equipped X
with security cameras
All security camera X
recordings are retained for
at least 30 days
There is a central security X
system
Staff members monitor X
restrooms during school
hours: _____ times/day
Specific persons are X Janitors
designated to secure
buildings after activities
Local law X
enforcement/security
personnel provide after-
hours patrols of the school
site
All safety-related X Building principals and
parent/media inquiries are superintendent
directed to a designated
spokesperson
In the event of an X Honeywell Instant Alert
emergency during school
hours, procedures are in
place to contact parents
and the community with
instructions
School files and records X
are maintained in locked,
vandal proof, fireproof
containers or locations
The school regularly backs X
up important computer
files
There is a current list of X All staff are trained on the use of
staff who are trained in AED’s
CPR or the use of AED’s
After the School Day,
Staff Members are
Assigned to Check the
Following:
All classrooms locked X
All bathrooms unoccupied X
and/or locked

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 5
All exterior doors locked X
All security lights are on X
Emergency Operations
Plan
There is an updated map of X No utility shut-offs on the map
the school’s layout with
room numbers, evacuation
routes, utility shut-offs, and
location of first aid kits
An updated copy of the X
map is provided to local
law enforcement, fire, and
hazardous materials
response units
The school has an X
established chain of
command that will handle
emergency response
The school has designated X
an on-site incident
command post
Emergency Procedures Revised in 2007
Bomb threats X
Hostage-takings X
Intrusions X
Kidnappings X
Acts of violence X
(shootings)
Hazardous materials X
incidents
Natural disasters X
Emergency Practice
Drills Practiced and
Documented on a
Regular Basis:
Lockdown (3x/year) X
Shelter-in-place X
Evacuation of building X This is completed a maximum of
(monthly) times a year
Evacuation of site X Students know the safe place is
the Lutheran Church
Reverse evacuation X
(outside-in)
Tornado/earthquake X
The evacuation plan X
includes procedures for

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 6
persons with limited
mobility
The evacuation plan X
includes procedures for
persons with special health
needs
The evacuation plan X
includes an alternative
evacuation site
School Climate and
Culture
The Student Code of X Reviewed by school leadership
Conduct is reviewed and team and school board
updated annually.
The Student Code of X It is in the front of students’
Conduct is provided to all assignment planners and student
parents and parent signatures are required
The Student Code of
Conduct Includes
Statements Regarding:
Anti-bullying, anti- X
harassment, anti-
drug/alcohol, and anti-
violence policies
Interviewing policies by X
school, law enforcement,
and protective services
personnel
Locker search policies X
Dress code X
Disciplinary
Procedures
Disciplinary practices X
focus on the root causes of
problems and provide
problem-solving strategies
Disciplinary consequences X
for infractions to the code
of conduct are fairly and
consistently enforced
Alternatives to suspensions X
and expulsions are built
into the disciplinary policy
Procedures used to make X
decisions about student
behavior are well-known to
students and staff

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 7
Parent and Student
Involvement
Parents are an integral part X
of the school’s safety
planning and policy
development
Students are represented on X
the school safety planning
team
Students are actively X
involved in promoting a
positive school climate
A large percentage (>60%) X
of students participate in
extracurricular activities
Reporting
There is some type of X School website as online bulling
anonymous hotline report
whereby students and staff
may report incidents or
suspicious activities (e.g.,
Campus Crime Stoppers)
There is a process in place X Through Powerschool
to systematically collect,
review, and share
discipline referral data
General Climate
Respect for diversity is X
emphasized schoolwide
Staff members are visible X
in the hallways
supervising/interacting
with students during school
hours
Staff members monitor X
stairwells during school
hours
Staff and Student
Training
Administrators, teachers, X
and other staff members
receive annual training in
conflict resolution and
problem-solving skills.
Administrators, teachers, X
and other staff members
receive annual training in
bullying prevention

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 8
Staff knows proper X
protocols for checking
suspicious packages
Staff is trained to be on the X
lookout for anything out of
the ordinary (persons,
behavior, containers,
vehicles, broken air vents,
etc.)
Staff is trained in how to X ALICE Training
respond to threats of
students, including threats
found in schoolwork,
notes, journals, or
overheard by other students
Front office staff knows X
how to respond to a bomb
threat or other
threatening/suspicious
phone calls
Students receive training in X
positive social skills,
violence prevention,
conflict resolution, and
communication/decision-
making skills
Students receive training X
specifically on bullying
prevention
Students receive training in X
sexual harassment/gender
respect
The school has X The guidance counselor works
implemented a character with the elementary student
education or social skills council to work on character
program schoolwide education
Students receive training X Starting in upper elementary
on digital citizenship
regarding social media and
online bullying, sexual
harassment, etc.
Referral Resources
The school has a process to X Building Level Support Team
identify and serve the including specialist, classroom
needs of students most at teachers and administration
risk for engaging in
disruptive behavior

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 9
The school has staff X Therapeutic Response training
members trained to identify through Positive Behavior
and work with potentially Supports
dangerous students
There is a well-developed X
network of service
providers to which students
can be referred
Grounds and Building
Exterior
The school has a marquee X
(or some other sign) visible
from the road clearly
indicating the school’s
name
Grounds are fenced in X
appropriate areas
Gates, if present, are X
secured when not in use
The perimeter of the X
building is clear of safety
hazards and/or debris
Mechanical, electrical, and X
other equipment on ground
level is surrounded by a
protective enclosure
Shrubs and foliage are X
trimmed to allow for good
line of sight and to prevent
people from hiding behind
them
The exterior of the building X
is free of graffiti
Ground floor windows X
have unbroken panes
Access to the roof is X
restricted (no climbable
plantings/architecture)
Areas surrounding X
trailers/portables are
adequately lit
Paved pathways are X
positioned to provide the
shortest walk between the
two points they connect
Exterior doors allow for X
keyed or card reader re-
entry

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 10
Buses, Parking, and
Pickup/Drop-off
The bus loading/unloading X
zone is monitored by staff
Bus loading/unloading X
zones are clearly marked
Fire zones are clearly X
marked
Parking lots are adequately X
lit
Access points for parking X
lots are gated
Student drop-off/pick up is X
limited to specific areas
Student drop-off/pick up X
areas are relatively free of
bottlenecks and congestion
(outside of normal high-
volume times)
Student drop-off/pick up X
areas are monitored
Parking lot has signs to X
direct staff, students, and
visitors to designated
parking areas
Parking lots are in view of X
the building or monitored
by security
Bicycle parking is in view X
of the building or
monitored by security
Play/Outdoor
Recreation Areas
Play and recreation areas X
are protected with fencing
Fences are in good X
condition
Vehicular access is X The playground fence is next to a
restricted around play areas street
Play apparatus are free X
from sharp edges, and
protruding or loose bolts or
screws
Ground cover is adequate X
to provide protection from
falls

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 11
Emergency vehicles can X
access play and recreation
areas easily
Bleachers are well- X
maintained (painted with
no signs of rust)
Play areas are monitored X
when in use during school
hours
Building Access
The school has designated X
a single point of entry/exit
to each building
The designated points of X
entry are monitored to
control building access
School staff monitor all X
entrances and exits during
arrival and departure of
students
Signs are posted listing X
items not allowed inside
the school (e.g. drug-free,
gun-free, smoke-free)
Visitor policy/procedure X
signs are posted at all
entrances
Visitors are required to X
show picture ID and sign in
Building Interior
Hallways are uniformly X
and adequately lit
Stairwells are uniformly X
and adequately lit
Hallways are free of X
graffiti
Restrooms are accessible X
Restrooms are uniformly X
and adequately lit
Restrooms are free of X
graffiti
Restroom stall walls are X
free of graffiti
Restroom stall doors are X
lockable
Toilets, urinals, sinks, and X
soap dispensers are in good
working order

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 12
Paper towels or air dryers X
are available in restrooms
There is an adequate X
supply of toilet paper in all
restrooms
Mirrors are free of damage X
The main entrances to the X X** **There are family restrooms that
restroom have doors that can be locked from the inside.
cannot be locked from the Students do have access to these
inside during the day
Classroom doors can be X
locked from the inside
Classroom windows can be X
covered if needed
(lockdown)
All classrooms and offices X
are locked when not in use
Common area is uniformly X
and adequately lit

Hallways and public spaces X

are clean and in good
repair
Hallways leading to exit X
doors are free of
obstructions
Handrails are appropriately X
placed and in good
condition
All exit signs are lit, X
clearly visible, and point in
the correct direction
Locker areas are well lit X
Unassigned lockers are X
secure/locked
All interior glass (doors, X
windows) is properly
installed and repaired
Floor coverings are X
properly installed and in
good repair (no loose tiles
or shredded carpet, etc.)
All chemicals, poisons, X
flammable material, etc.
are stored properly
There is adequate access to X
fire extinguishers

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 13
Fire extinguisher boxes X
latch closed
Fire extinguishers are X
inspected annually
Fire drill procedures and X
maps are posted in every
classroom
There is adequate access to X
AEDs
Staff is aware of CPR and X
AED certified personnel
Valuable items are secured x Locked in classrooms, but not
(computers, cameras, locked within the classroom
document cameras, etc.)
Formal and informal X
gathering areas are
monitored inside and
outside
The following are kept
locked and access
controlled:
Electrical panel access X
doors
Doors opening into interior X
areas like courtyards
during non-classroom
hours
Boiler and mechanical X
rooms
Air vents X
Custodial closets X
Monitoring and
Surveillance
Security cameras are X
stationed outside of school
Security camera locations X
provide maximum
coverage of ground
Security cameras are X
stationed inside the school

Communication
Systems
There is 2-way
communication between
the main office and:
 Classrooms X

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.
 14
 Local law X
enforcement
 School-based law X
enforcement
 Portable classroom X
buildings
 Ball fields X
 School nurse X
 Custodial staff X
 School X
buses/transportation
dispatch
All classrooms are X
equipped with a system to
communicate in an
emergency
The school has access to a X Important with our dangerous
weather radio and monitors winter weather
it regularly.

Adapted from the Texas School Safety Center (2018). Texas State University-San Marcos.
https://txssc.txstate.edu/tools/k-12-toolkit/conducting-audits
Used with permission.