Elizabeth Rupert
A few years ago, I worked with a school where the assistant head stepped into the role of the school's “safety anchor.” She wasn’t the most experienced person for the job on paper, and she didn’t have any formal emergency management background, but what she did have was a way of paying attention that made everyone around her feel steadier.
She walked the hallways in the early mornings, to both greet students and to see what had changed since the day before. She knew which teachers needed extra support during drills and who on the facilities team had an eye for spotting things that others missed. When something felt off, she asked thoughtful questions that helped people reassess without feeling criticized.
Over time, the school’s response improved not because it bought new equipment or rewrote the whole emergency plan, but because her habits influenced the people around her. Staff and faculty started noticing issues sooner and communications felt smoother. Families trusted the school’s management of incidents and drills were reframed as opportunities for learning and problem-solving.
This person’s skills are a good reminder that strong safety leadership rarely relies on authority. It comes from steadiness, curiosity, and a willingness to see the whole picture.
Below is a snapshot of other key habits and traits that I have observed in the safety leaders that I admire.
Recognize and Empower the People Already Doing the Work
Every school has individuals who quietly carry the weight of safety. When leaders intentionally gather these voices and treat them as key partners, the entire safety system becomes more agile. This is also a good moment to clarify your team structure. Many schools are shifting towards team-based models that focus on functions rather than individuals. Shifting the focus of school safety to functionality creates stronger continuity and stronger crisis management.
Check That the Procedures Match Reality
Most schools have experienced the moment in a drill when everyone realizes something doesn’t work the way the planners imagined. Sometimes it is a locked gate with a lost key or a critical person who is out sick without a backup. Leaders who walk through one emergency response procedure a month spot these gaps early. It keeps the team sharp without overwhelming them, and helps prevent the shift that naturally appears as the year moves on.
Build Your External Relationships Early
Your safety system expands beyond campus. Local police, fire, emergency managers, and public health partners each play a role when something unexpected happens. The more familiar they are with your layout and expectations, the smoother the response will be. A quick call or email early in the year can strengthen these ties. Even a brief introduction and short walkthrough can lead to better coordination down the road.
Carrying These Habits Forward
If you’ve heard us talk about the “Swiss Cheese Model” of school safety you know that a safer school doesn’t result from a single initiative. Instead, it grows from steady habits that leadership practices day after day. As 2026 begins, choose one habit that feels realistic for your school and start there. The small things you practice today will shape the preparedness and well-being of your community all year long.
