Page 7 - Work Force October 2025
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Custodian: ‘We’re on the front lines, too’
WEST SENECA —
For Nancy Schmitt,
CSEA West Seneca
Central School
District Unit 2nd
Vice President and
head custodian at
the district’s Erie
One BOCES building,
the threat of gun
violence in schools
is more than a national conversation.
It’s a daily reality that shapes how she approaches her job.
Preparedness is key
With 19 years of experience in
the district, including 17 years as
a teaching assistant, Schmitt has seen how school safety needs have evolved and she plays a critical role in maintaining security in a school that serves a wide range of students, including those with disciplinary challenges.
“When the kids enter the building, their backpacks are wanded and then they’re wanded too,” said Schmitt. “We take it seriously because we never know what someone could be bringing in.”
Schmitt serves as the building principal’s right-hand person when it comes to school security.
While every teacher is equipped with a two-way radio, some custodians are not and that is something Schmitt believes needs to change.
“We’re on the front lines, too,” said Schmitt. “My head is always on a swivel.”
The school conducts six lockdown drills each year in addition to regular fire drills. Like other staff, Schmitt completes annual Global Compliance Network (GCN) training, which includes active shooter protocols, workplace violence and mental health awareness. But for Schmitt,
real readiness comes from hands-on practice and situational awareness. Custodial areas remain locked
at all times. Schmitt is prepared
to physically secure rooms with tactics like blocking inward-swinging doors, methods she’s picked up from real-life safety demonstrations and training videos.
Challenges posed
Despite strong preparedness, Schmitt worries that the school’s aging infrastructure isn’t keeping up with modern safety demands.
“Our fire system is 20 years out-of-date with no plans to replace it,” said Schmitt. “And the phones in the office can’t call out. If I needed to dial 911, I’d have to use my cell phone.”
She also expressed concern over the building’s layout. Some classroom doors swing inward, which could be a vulnerability in a
lockdown.
“Classroom doors should always
be locked,” said Schmitt. “It’s a basic precaution.”
Schmitt has worked with the CSEA Occupational Safety and Health Department in the past when serious concerns have surfaced. She plans to reach out again to advocate for updates, particularly regarding the fire system and communication equipment.
“They’ve been a great resource when we’ve needed expert backup,” said Schmitt.
Schmitt cautiously supports
New York state’s cell phone ban in schools, which took effect at the beginning of the school year. While she appreciates its intent, she’s already seen students bypassing the system.
“Kids or their parents are ordering unlock tools for the locking phone pouches online,” said Schmitt. “If the bag is in a locker, they just wait until no one’s around and open it.”
Schmitt is especially worried about cell phones escalating a gun violence situation.
“Parents think they want their child to call them in an emergency, but that could make things worse,” said Schmitt. “If a parent tells their kid to run while everyone is hiding or if a ringing phone gives away a classroom’s location it could put everyone in danger.”
Despite the concerns, Schmitt
is proud of her school’s proactive communication culture.
“West Seneca schools are great with communication,” she said. “Our principal is very in tune with staff and students.”
And when it comes to stopping a potential tragedy before it starts, Schmitt believes it’s everyone’s job to stay alert and speak up.
“You’ve got to treat every situation seriously,” said Schmitt. “Because the one time you don’t, that could be the time it matters most.”
— Sara McNicholas
 Schmitt
 Experience guides safety planning in Newburgh School District
NEWBURGH — Lessons from
years of experiences have helped formulate safety precautions in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.
Each morning, students at
the district’s junior highs and
high schools pass through metal detectors and have backpacks checked. The same goes for district sporting events, including for visitors. Student IDs are checked and visitors must have their ID scanned before gaining entry.
When school ends for the day, students who don’t have specific after-school activities are not allowed to remain on campus. Limiting entry and exit points, especially at the district’s expansive main high school campus, has
been key in lowering the risk of incidents.
“Nowadays, kids are concerned about their phones, but we have to be diligent about checking for different types of vapes and other items,” said Howard-Crockett.
Newburgh began restricting phone use in 2024, with students
using Yondr pouches to deter use during the school day.
“The Yondr pouches have
cut back on a lot of fights,” said Howard-Crockett. “It’s not perfect and things can happen once students are off the school grounds, but we’ve seen a change during the school day.”
Howard-Crockett said a dose
of humanity is essential when it comes to preventing issues from escalating. Some students are dealing with housing insecurity or other issues.
“Students may be going through stuff at home that we don’t know about and that can impact them during their school day,” said Howard-Crockett. “Sometimes, there are things we can do to help make their day easier, so it is helpful when we are aware of those things.”
— Jessica Ladlee
That feedback
comes from
Orange County
Local Secretary
Joyce Howard-
Crockett, a
member of CSEA’s
Statewide School
District Committee. Howard-Crockett is
the district’s senior Crockett security monitor
and has worked there since 1985. “Even though we’ve had
shootings in Newburgh, it’s still
our neighborhood,” said Howard- Crockett. “The community rallies to rise above it. Parents worry about their kids, but they know we work to make our schools a safe haven.”
 Howard-
October 2025
The Work Force 7
 


















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