A new website provides a central hub of resources and best practices for school safety.
SMYRNA, Del. Delaware Emergency Management Agency launches a new Delaware School Safety Center as an extension of its Comprehensive School Safety Program. Delaware is committed to providing safe and secure learning environments for students. The DSSC features a new, user-friendly website (https://de.gov/demaschoolsafety) that will be a central hub for training, resources, and coordination where schools and families can access guidance, tools, and best practices on school safety planning and response efforts.
Joshua Bushweller said that ensuring a safe environment for all Delaware students is of paramount importance.
“The DSSC is a collaborative effort that supports educators and first responders and engages students and parents to build safe and resilient schools communities,” said DEMA director A.J. Shall.
The CSSP was established in 2012, following the passage of Omnibus Safety Act. It laid the foundations for comprehensive, standardized emergency planning at all public and charter school across the state. The act required all schools to have safety plans, conduct lockdown drills and tabletop exercise, as well as critical incident training.
Delaware has made significant achievements in the area of school safety. Delaware was the state that provided uniform aerial maps for all 19 districts of public schools and charters to ensure rapid response by law enforcement to school buildings and campus during emergencies. Delaware launched Safe DE in 2023. It is a comprehensive safety suite with a 24/7 anonymous report application that empowers students, staff and families to access crisis resources and report safety concerns. Delaware’s School Safety Center offers comprehensive Behavioral Threat Analysis (BTA), enabling school-based teams to identify and respond to potential threats proactively. The Center also provides secure case-management software that facilitates consistent documentation, collaboration and follow-up during the assessment process.
The Delaware School Safety Center was created to help prevent incidents at schools by preparing educators to work together with community partners in order to mitigate and manage crises.
“Nothing is as important as student safety. Students learn and teachers can teach when they are safe. Safety is not an accident, it’s a deliberate decision. Secretary for Education Cindy Marten said, “The launch of the Delaware School Safety Center is so important because it represents our shared commitment to create safe and welcoming school environments where teachers can teach and students can flourish.” I am grateful to DEMA for its focused leadership and proud that Delaware is always at the forefront of putting students’ needs first.
The new DSCC offers a range of services that will enhance school safety as part of its core mission. These include:
After-School Activities – Officials are able to provide schools with tools and guidance in order to plan and manage safely after-school activities, extracurricular sports and gatherings of the community on school grounds.
Law Enforcement Training – School resource officers and constables can receive the latest law enforcement training, with an emphasis on relationship-building, safety planning and de-escalation.
Safety Assessments: Trained professionals are available to help schools identify weaknesses and make practical recommendations based on evidence to enhance school security.
Delaware Emergency Management Agency is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by the Delaware Code. It coordinates comprehensive emergency preparedness and response services, including training, to protect Delaware’s economy and minimize the impact of disasters. DEMA is a part of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and authorized by the Delaware Code.
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