Threat Assessment
Southern York County School District is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our staff and students. In accordance with state law, the district has established threat assessment teams in each building as well as procedures for assessing and intervening with students whose behavior may indicate a threat to the safety of the student or others. Annually, staff is provided with information and training on how to report a threat, report student at-risk behavior, and conduct safety and security drills.
Each building's threat assessment team includes the School Safety and Security Coordinator, school administrator, school psychologist, and School Resource Officer. Additional members of the threat assessment team may include school counselors, teachers, social workers, and other staff members relevant to a reported threat. The threat assessment teams train annually on how to identify student behavior that may indicate a safety threat to the student, other students, school employees, other individuals, school facilities, or the community, in accordance with law, board policy, and the standards specified by the state's School Safety and Security Committee.
The threat assessment teams also provide information to staff and age-appropriate information to students on how to recognize threatening or at-risk behavior that may present a threat to the student or others and how to report concerns, including through the Safe2Say Something program. The information for school employees also includes a list of staff members appointed to the threat assessment team.
Below is a summary of the Threat Assessment Team’s protocol. For a more extensive description, please see School Board Policy 236.1 which is posted online.
Protocol
Team Formation and Responsibilities
The Superintendent or a designee, along with the School Safety and Security Coordinator, is responsible for appointing members to a district-wide threat assessment team and individual teams for each school building. These teams must include include the School Safety and Security Coordinator and individuals with expertise in school health; counseling, school psychology or social work; special education and school administration, members of the Student Assistance Program team, law enforcement agency representatives, and behavioral health professionals A team leader is designated for each team, and additional staff or community resources may be assigned as needed.
Training and Education
Threat assessment team members receive annual training on their responsibilities, identifying and responding to threats, and avoiding biases. This training is credited towards professional education and school safety requirements.
Communication
The district annually notifies students, staff, and parents/guardians about the existence and purpose of the threat assessment team by posting information on the district website, publishing in student handbooks, and other methods as deemed appropriate.
Reporting and Identification
The threat assessment team documents and assesses threats reported through programs like Safe2Say Something. If a reported behavior indicates a potential threat, immediate steps are taken, including notifying relevant authorities and parents. The team also responds to self-harm or suicide risk factors.
Inquiry and Assessment
Teams investigate reports to determine if they align with specific policies, such as discrimination or bullying. This process may involve interviews, record reviews, and coordination with law enforcement. Depending on the situation, specialized teams like the IEP or Section 504 Team may be convened.
Response and Intervention
An Individualized Management Plan is developed for students posing threats. Potential actions include referrals to assistance programs, law enforcement, or evaluations for disabilities. The threat assessment team monitors the situation and ensures the safety of potential targets.
Safe Schools Incident Reporting
Incidents that meet the Safe Schools Act criteria are reported to local police. Parents are notified of incidents involving their children, and special protocols are followed for students with disabilities.
Monitoring and Management
Individualized Management Plans are monitored and updated as necessary. The threat assessment team determines when plans are no longer needed, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with relevant laws.
Records Access and Confidentiality
The team has access to student records necessary for assessing threats, while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with legal standards. Information is used solely for evaluating threats and recommending appropriate actions.
Annual Board Report
An annual report is prepared for the Board, detailing the threat assessment process, team composition, number of threats assessed, and interactions with external agencies. The report includes recommendations for improvement and is part of the district's safety and security practices report to the state's School Safety and Security Committee.
For more information about Safety and Security at Southern York County School District, please see our board policies as linked below.