School Safety Guidelines and Requirements
The Kansas School Safety and Security Act (K.S.A. 72-6141) and subsequent 2018/2019 legislation mandate that school districts maintain secure infrastructure, develop safety plans with law enforcement, and implement technology like security cameras and panic buttons. Districts are required to perform annual security training, safety drills, and maintain emergency communication systems.
- K.S.A. 72-6141 [ksrevisor.gov]
Guidelines
Building Safety and Infrastructure
- School districts shall ensure all school buildings and attendance centers are safe and secure.
- This includes secured interior and exterior doors, safer windows, and improvements to structural integrity.
- Districts shall consult with local law enforcement and emergency management agencies to review and evaluate building safety.
Security Technology
- Districts shall create or strengthen security technology systems, such as security cameras, integrated door locks, fire alarms, panic buttons, and intrusion detection systems.
- Appropriate staff shall receive training on security technology systems at least once each year.
Communication Systems
- Districts shall maintain a communication system that allows information sharing between schools, law enforcement, and other first responders.
- Clear procedures must be in place for staff to contact law enforcement.
- The system shall be tested with staff twice each year during school hours.
- A communication matrix shall show how schools and first responders communicate during an emergency.
Emergency Notifications
Districts shall have a procedure to notify individuals who are not on school grounds, such as parents and community members, during emergency situations.
School Safety and Crisis Plans
Each district shall maintain an up‑to‑date school safety and security (crisis) plan approved by the local board of education.
The plan shall include:
- Procedures for visitors entering school buildings
- Methods for securing buildings during emergencies
- Evacuation, reunification plans, routes, and locations
- Recovery steps after an emergency
- Any additional procedures required by the local board
Training and Drills
- Districts shall provide annual emergency response training for staff and students.
- The public portions of the school crisis plan shall be reviewed during training.
- Crisis drills shall be conducted to ensure procedures are effective.
- Procedures shall be in place to ensure accountability for implementing crisis plans.
Coordination and Plan Review
- Districts should work with local law enforcement and emergency management agencies to review and evaluate crisis plans before local board approval.
- Approved plans should be shared with law enforcement, emergency responders, and appropriate district staff on a need‑to‑know basis.
Firearm Safety Education (Optional)
If a district chooses to offer firearm safety education, programs must be evidence‑based:
- Grades K–5: Eddie Eagle or another evidence‑based youth firearm safety program
- Grades 6–8: Eddie Eagle, another evidence‑based youth firearm safety program, or the Hunters Education in Our Schools Program
- Grades 9–12: Hunters Education in Our Schools Program or another evidence‑based program
School Safety Plans
Kansas requires all public school districts to develop, maintain, and routinely update comprehensive school safety and emergency preparedness plans designed to protect students, staff, and visitors during a wide range of incidents. These plans are foundational to school operations and are reviewed regularly to ensure readiness and compliance with state expectations.
Core Components of School Safety Plans
Kansas school safety plans typically include:
- Emergency response procedures for natural disasters, fires, medical emergencies, intruders, and active shooter situations
- Lockdown, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and reunification protocols to ensure accountability and student safety
- Communication systems that coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management agencies
- Building security procedures, such as controlled access points, lockdown-capable doors, and surveillance systems
- Incident reporting and documentation processes for threats, violence, or safety concerns
The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) supports school safety planning through the Kansas Safe and Secure Schools initiative, which establishes statewide guidance for safety, security, and school climate. KSDE encourages collaboration with law enforcement and emergency agencies to review safety framework.
Building Site Assessments
KSDE's Safe and Secure Schools Unit offers physical building site assessments to Kansas School Districts. These assessments take a look at the physical building security features and provide general considerations as to how buildings may better be secured.
For additional information, contact:
Ben Thursby, School Safety Specialist
Safe and Secure Schools Unit
(785) 296-4946
Disciplinary Actions
In Kansas, schools take student discipline and school safety very seriously. When a student poses a threat, schools use several steps to prevent harm and keep everyone safe. Kansas schools should have policies for violent behavior that focus on preventing problems while responding quickly when concerns arise. Kansas also requires schools to have emergency safety plans and practice drills regularly so students and staff are prepared in case of an emergency.
Resources for Facility Guides
Fire
Visit the Resources for Pre-K through Grade 12 Schools webpage on the Office of the State Fire Marshal website for resources and information.
Active Shooter Preparedness and Fire Safety: The Kansas State Fire Marshal is committed to helping the community enhance security in case of an active shooter incident. Many schools and businesses are taking proactive steps to create a safe environment, and although we applaud their efforts, some of those safety measures might not be compliant with the Kansas Fire and Building Codes.
- Active Shooter Preparedness [firemarshal.ks.gov]
