CSEA members employed at school districts are often key to keeping students, staff and visitors safe from potential gun violence.
Even though New York has one of the nation’s lowest firearm death rates, workers must still be prepared for threats of violence and emergencies.
As of January 2024, the state’s workplace violence prevention law now also covers school districts, which had been initially exempt from the law.
“Getting the New York State Workplace Violence Prevention law amended to include schools was a crown jewel for us,” said CSEA Occupational Safety and Health Department Director Matthew Kozak. “We can now hold our districts accountable.”
Districts are now required to complete a physical risk assessment and risk evaluation determination, as well as review their records, procedures, and processes to identify safety and health concerns.
Preparedness programs for potential gun violence will include training and discussions on active shooter and workplace violence prevention plans that all staff will participate in. Districts may implement active shooter drills and emergency tools such as panic buttons, alarms, sturdier doors, and metal detectors. Staff will also learn how to respond if a weapon is found on campus. Districts should strengthen mental health advocacy, along with adding school resource officers trained to respond to potential violence.
CSEA members employed at schools can play a role in keeping the communities safe.
“CSEA members in schools are a lot of times the silent eyes and ears,” said Kozak. “They hear stuff; they know what’s going on. So, just being active and involved is very important.”
Union members can help by recognizing student behaviors that may signal risk, such as social withdrawal, emotional outbursts, or sudden changes in appearance, writing, or artwork. Kozak noted that it is important for school staff to fully document and report such signs, but to remain compassionate toward students.
During an active shooter situation, it is best to follow your school’s safety protocol, find a protective place to remain out of sight, make yourself as small as possible to minimize being a potential target and if possible, call 911.
Facing the aftermath of a gun violence incident is just as important as being prepared for it. Administrators are advised to provide accessible, immediate crisis counseling. Staff may be called upon to provide extra support to their school communities, which can increase their workloads and stress.
“Training is crucial because those first key moments mean your door’s closed or not,” said Kozak. “Being able to recognize and promptly initiate your lockdowns and your emergency procedures is critical. You need everybody well trained, drilled, and then not conditioned to think it’s not going to happen here. We have been lucky in New York, but it could change very, very quickly.”
— Claire Peretta
“Districts have multiple buildings and the school district safety plan would include plans for each location. Members should know, understand and have access to these important safety protocols. Emergency plans should be available to the school community.”
— Beverly Healey, Schenectady Central School District Secretaries-Registered Nurses Unit President and Central School District and CSEA Statewide School District Committee member