Safety & Security
At Kent ISD, the safety and security of our students and staff is among our top priorities. It is our responsibility to protect the well-being of every person in our facilities, and we know that students learn best when they feel safe.
Maintaining security at our many student programs requires that staff and students have the knowledge and resources to respond to emergency situations. Kent ISD Safety & Security provides the security measures described below to our specific programs:
- Kent Career Tech Center
- MySchool@Kent
- Kent ISD Adult Education
- Kent ISD Special Education Center Programs
- Kent ISD Education Services Center
While Kent ISD provides professional development opportunities, trainings and security consultations to our member districts and schools, those entities maintain their own security protocols. Please consult your/your student's home district or school for their specific security information.
Kent ISD Student Buildings
- Dedicated School Security Officers (SSOs)
- Implementation of Ident-A-Kid kiosks at all Kent ISD-operated schools
- Ident-A-Kid software is used to scan the state-issued ID of all visitors, documenting who is on campus, when they leave, and identifying persons on the national sex offenders registry
- A state-issued ID is required for visitor entry in all student buildings except under special circumstances. For instructions on obtaining a state ID, follow this link: How to Get an Official MI State ID
- Evacuation & Reunification Plans - In the event of an emergency at one of our student buildings, evacuation of students and reunification with their parent/guardian may be required. As part of our Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), we have developed detailed evacuation and reunification plans for all of our school campuses. Please note that during an emergency evacuation event, specific reunification information will come from your student's school/program
Administrative Building (ESC)
- Front Entrance Security - A Security Officer is on duty in the building, greeting visitors at the main entrance. Visitors are required to sign in at the front desk to help us monitor who is in the building.
Trainings and Partnerships
- Regular Training and Security Protocol Updates
- Trainings include tabletop and drill exercises in active shooter response, classroom defense, campus evacuation and other scenario based exercises
- We also collaborate with our local districts to provide security training and PD opportunities
- Partnerships with Law Enforcement
- We work closely with local law enforcement to establish security protocols and emergency response tactics
- Our security staff meets with local law enforcement leaders monthly, including local police chiefs and Sheriffs, Michigan State Police Command Officers and federal agency heads
Required Safety Notifications
Firearms Safety and Storage
Kent ISD, and all schools and ISDs in Michigan, are required to share important information regarding Michigan’s Safe Storage Laws. Taking simple steps to store firearms safely helps keep everyone safe and reduces firearm-related injuries.
Michigan law requires that where minors may be present, firearms must be stored in a locked box or container, and/or unloaded and secured with a locking device. Failing to follow the requirements may result in criminal charges and penalties if a minor gains access to a firearm.
We encourage all parents, guardians, and caregivers to review the information linked below to learn more about the importance of safe storage, where to obtain storage devices, requirements under the law, and more:
- Michigan Department of Education’s Safe Storage Law webpage – information and resources
- What is the Secure Storage Law in Michigan? – overview of the Safe Storage law
- Safe Storage Notice – information about best practices for safely storing firearms
- A Parent’s Guide to Home Firearm Safety - includes safe storage options and information
Schools have adopted the "I Love U Guys" Foundation Standard Response Protocol (SRP). The SRP is based on an all-hazards approach as opposed to individual scenarios. SRP utilizes clear common language while allowing for flexibility in the protocol.
Watch the video below for how the SRP works.
