The KCSD Commitment to School Safety

The Kenton County School District is committed to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. It is our highest priority and the core of everything we do. 

We believe that a safe school environment is built on a foundation of shared responsibility and cooperative commitment from every member of our community: parents, students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and emergency responders. Children are key partners in keeping our schools safe. Students consistently hear the message that "if you see something, say something" to a trusted adult if a threat to safety is suspected. This clear message, reinforced by both parents and educators, can significantly contribute to everyone's safety. 

Planning and implementing the steps for the safety of each school in the district is a continuous process. The KCSD continually strives to meet and exceed  safety standards set by local and state laws. As part of this process, the State School Marshal’s Office conducts on-site  assessments of our schools to ensure compliance with current laws and standards.

A safe school environment is vital for students to succeed. Our intentional focus is to ensure that  every student can learn and grow in a school where they are physically safe and emotionally supported. 

Every school completes safety drills according to a schedule that meets or exceeds state requirements.

KCSD Safety Drill Schedule - All Schools Complete Safety Drills

Fire (10 drills annually)	1. August: two (2) within the first 14 days of school (state required) 2. - 10. September - May: One per month (state required)
Earthquake (3 drills annually):	1. Within first 30 days (state required) 2. October (KCSD participates in Great Central US Shakeout)
Severe Weather/Tornado (2 drills annually)	1. Within first 30 days (state required) 2. January (state required)
Lockdown/ALICE (4 drills annually):	1. Within first 30 days (state required) 2. November (KCSD requirement) 3. January (state requirement) 4. March (KCSD requirement)
Bus Evacuations (4 drills annually)	1. - 2. Within first week of start of school (state required) 2. - 4. Within first week after winter break (state required)

 

What YOU Should Know About the Safety of KCSD Schools:

• According to the most recent Kentucky Summative Assessment survey, 95% of KCSD students report feeling safe in their classes.
• Every school has a detailed emergency operation plan in place coordinated with first responders. It is multifaceted, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and response.
• The KCSD has partnerships with local police agencies to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) on every campus. These officers are highly trained and provide law enforcement services when needed. They are involved in campus safety planning and assist school staff to follow best practices for safety. 
• SROs build relationships with students, providing guidance and positive role modeling. 
• All exterior doors at schools are locked during the school day. Visitors must report through the main entrance where they state the reason for their visit and provide official identification. 
• Visitors must wear an identifying name tag on their outer garment when in the secure area of the school.
• Employees must display their employee identification card when in the secure area of the school.
• Classroom doors are closed and locked during instruction time.
• There is a network of over 2000 surveillance cameras keeping a watchful eye on the district.
• All school buses are equipped with camera surveillance systems.
• There is a school nurse at every school. Training in Safety Care Management (SCM), medication administration, CPR, and the use of AEDs is provided to school staff. 
• School guidance counselors, psychologists, and social workers are available to provide intervention services for students. 
• A Student Code of Conduct is reviewed and implemented to support a conducive learning environment.
• Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) are used to promote positive behavior in all schools.
• Safety concerns can be anonymously reported through the STOP! Tipline, in collaboration with the KY Office of Homeland Security and the KY Intelligence Fusion Center, at (866)-393-6659. It is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.