LPS updates safety and security measures for upcoming school year

LPS has been training this summer to prepare for their top priority, keeping the children safe.
Knowing what to do if something dangerous were to happen is becoming more prevalent in our school’s around the nation.
As Lincoln Public Schools begin another school year, updates to improve safety and security measures have been made.
"That Lincoln Public Schools approach to what is a national protocol is definitely unique for a school district to take on and I am proud of the work we are providing the community," said associates superintendent for business affairs, Liz Standish.
The standard response protocol is based on five actions that will be used during a critical incident.. lockout, lockdown, evacuation, shelter and hold.
The principal at Lincoln Southeast talked about their recent training session and how it’s all action based. Here is an example:
"So lets say the threat is walking into the building in the cafeteria, during lunch. We’ll that’s when flexible thinking comes in. Students then have been trained that they can self–evacuate or leave the building while other parts of the building may be going under lockdown protocol," said Brent Toalson.
Other changes include a more significant presence of resource officers in middle schools.
And throughout the year, LPS will be required to conduct two drills for responding to active shooters. This does not include what is required by state law which is 10 evacuation drills and 2 shelter drills.
"We believe this is a community initiative, not just a Lincoln Public Schools initiative," said Standish.
Parents have access to all of the training materials and videos their kids will be watching in the classroom. Look out for emails from LPS.