24-25 School Trends & Action Steps

Each new year brings fresh beginnings, and with it, the responsibility to ensure our schools remain safe and secure havens for learning. The unique challenges of each academic year require us to stay vigilant and proactive in our approach to school safety. In this article, we’ll dive into the key trends set to shape school safety for the 2024-2025 academic year. Each trend comes with practical strategies we’ve developed to promote a successful, holistic, and sustainable response.

Our annual School Trends Report identifies the safety trends we anticipate, allowing us to foresee potential risks and establish measures to address emerging threats. By recognizing these key trends, we aim to equip school administrators, staff, and the community with the knowledge and tools needed to create safer learning environments.

Before diving into the trends, here's a look at how we developed them:

• We gathered insights from our on-the-ground teams, including School Safety Consultants, Security Directors, and other leaders within Joffe.
• We polled our larger employee base for holistic feedback, ensuring our findings were well-rounded.
• Local experiences from responders provided valuable reflections, and we engaged with schools for further feedback, analyzing data from multiple sources. 

This comprehensive approach informed the four key trends we're focused on for the upcoming school year. We look forward to discussing this data with you and providing additional trends specific resources for use throughout the 24-25 school year!

Trend 1: We anticipate a significant rise in environmental emergencies affecting schools.

Environmental Safety & Security:

This increase is directly tied to the growing frequency of natural disasters, from tornadoes and hurricanes to wildfires and earthquakes, impacting both the US and the world. The typical campus-wide responses -- lockdown, evacuation, shelter in place, secure campus, and hold -- are not designed to address all the necessary actions during an environmental emergency. 

So what should we do about it?

• Prioritize developing and regularly updating Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) to include specific responses for environmental emergencies.
• Implement comprehensive emergency response protocols and tailor plans to address particular environmental threats.
• Conduct frequent, expanded drills and training for both staff and students.

These are vital measures to enhance safety and mitigate the impact of these natural disasters.

Trend 2: We Expect a rise in cybersecurity threats, including attacks, ai safety issues, digital scams and social media threats. 

Digital Safety & Security:

For years, the growing number of cyberattacks on educational institutions has highlighted the critical need for enhanced digital security. This trend continues to be a top concern. With ransomware, phishing, and data breaches becoming more frequent, protecting our digital infrastructure is essential. Social media threats also overlap with cyberattacks, complicating safety and security issues in schools due to anonymity, direct private messages, and the increased use of social media among students. 

A newer concern is the use of AI. While schools have struggled with AI in terms of academic integrity, we at Joffe have seen issues related to fake images and videos, which erode trust and credibility and complicate investigations. 

So what should we do about it? 

• Adopt comprehensive cybersecurity policies, consider cyber insurance, and continuously monitor and assess their security measures. 
• Educate staff and students about digital literacy and citizenship, emphasizing online safety.

These proactive measures are vital for safeguarding the safety and privacy of students and staff in an increasingly digital landscape.

Trend 3: we anticipate significant investments in layering physical safety and security measures. 

Physical Safety & Security:

The reasons for this are multi-faceted, ranging from parents prioritizing safety when choosing a school to the continued increase in weapons reported on campuses. It's clear that schools, districts, and states are considering various physical safety and security measures to implement in K-12 schools nationwide. 

So what should we do about it?

At Joffe, we believe a strategic, layered approach to safety is the most effective way to create holistic safety at your school. Physical safety and security measures, whether technology or personnel, are essential components of this approach. However, they should be integrated with training, drills, proactive measures, and comprehensive safety plans.

• Adopt surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and digital ID cards to create safer learning environments.
• Consider physical security personnel, reflecting carefully on the types of training, roles, and tools, such as firearms, these personnel should have.
• Implement weapons abatement programs, fostering community engagement in safety awareness, regularly reviewing and updating security protocols, and providing comprehensive training for both staff and students.

These efforts are crucial for ensuring a secure educational environment while maintaining a focus on academic excellence.

Trend 4: we anticipate that the november 2024 presidential election and january 2025 inauguration will increase divisiveness in schools. 

Political Unrest:

These events are likely to heighten discussions on free speech, political divisiveness, and related threats. The current political climate has led to an increase in protests and demonstrations on or near school grounds, raising substantial safety concerns. Recent events, such as the attempted assassination of former President Trump, underscore the seriousness of these threats. 

So what should we do about it? 

• Develop robust protocols for managing such incidents, promote a culture of respect and inclusion, and enhance physical security measures to maintain stability.
• Additionally, our free toolkit on Joffe Academy provides valuable resources for navigating communication during political violence events.

Supporting those affected and maintaining open communication with law enforcement and the community are crucial for effectively addressing these challenges.

As we embark on the 2024-25 school year, it is clear that the landscape of school safety and security is evolving rapidly. At Joffe we are committed to supporting you and your schools on this journey by providing essential tools, insights, and training to enhance safety and promote a secure learning environment. Together, we can safeguard our students and staff, allowing teaching and learning to thrive amidst the complexities of today’s world.

The following data was used to support the findings in this article:

• National Centers for Environmental Information
• Climate Change Dashboard
• 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report
• The Pew Research Center
• Campus Safety Magazine
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American School District Panel