Jonathan Kassa. (Submitted photo)
"Research proves that when trust exists with a school, its students and community, then prevention efforts are increased and the risk for violence and harm will decrease"
Dear North Penn Community,
I’ve had the privilege to chair the Safe Schools Committee for two terms alongside my fellow Board of School Directors, witnessing the continuous improvement and evolution that a robust safe schools strategy requires. I’m grateful for the board members who served prior to myself and those who will continue this essential role of the North Penn School Board. We have increased training and expectations for our safe schools program while using nationally recognized experts to advise us on Behavior Threat Assessment, Title IX, and a comprehensive Safety & Security Assessment of all 21 buildings.
We have implemented many innovative solutions, from therapy dogs and dynamic bus alerts for families, to new technologies like vaping sensors or weapons detection and video analytics, plus robust cybersecurity, improved communication with first responders, and crisis communications upgrades across all facilities. However, no matter how much technology a school implements, it is always people who make the actual solutions that work.
I’m most thankful for our dedicated security professionals and our district staff working and training together to provide North Penn students a place that ensures belonging, elevates learning and engages our school communities so students can exceed expectations. None of this is achieved without the strong alliance we have with North Penn’s six local police departments and their assistance to achieve our educational mission.
Educational excellence requires safe, secure, welcoming and vibrant schools. The foundation for attaining this vision is forming a clear, methodical strategy informed by research, data and evidence-based decision making. Preparation and prevention are the most proactive ways to protect students, with the additional benefit of protecting taxpayers from reactive, wasteful spending.
We are focused on prevention, relationships and communication. It is why we are committed to the district’s climate survey and the annual PAYS survey tool that helps to check for blindspots. We have led the way in Pennsylvania with transparency and regularly sharing information at our committee meetings. As always, I welcome any community member to participate in the district's engagement opportunities such as the Safe Schools Committee; or by contacting Mr. Rhone, Dr. Bauer, or the school board with feedback and questions.
Research proves that when trust exists with a school, its students and community, then prevention efforts are increased and the risk for violence and harm will decrease. We continue to invest in a culture of safety model that is a balance of prevention, response and resilience. This is why relationships and building quality rapport makes a difference. Please view this short TEDx clip by a North Penn parent and safe schools professional, Dr. Beth Sanborn, who perfectly explains the benefits of a relationship based school community model.
At September’s committee, Dr. Bauer and Mr. Rhone presented a proposed change to our Emergency Management and Safe Schools Department that would add armed school police officers within a comprehensive strategy. This is an initial proposal and many more discussions and meetings will occur before a final vote is even proposed. Conversations about this idea have occurred for years and we will continue to work with our community, staff, and local police departments to ensure school safety for all.
Thank you for your continued partnership with the school district as we adapt to an ever-changing world. I encourage you to stay informed and stay involved as we further explore the benefits, and concerns, to evolve a public safety department that reflects and upholds the values of our North Penn community.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Kassa
NPSD Board of School Directors
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