📋
Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Score: -8
(40/128/48)
Santa Barbara County Grand Jury
• 2025-2026
Preparing for the Unthinkable: How are Santa Barbara County Schools Preparing to Prevent or Minimize the Effects of a Potential Mass Shooting?
Published: June 08, 2026
17 pages
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County Education Office make its School Safety Symposium available online for ease of accessibility for school staffs county-wide.
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Related Recommendations (3)
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §933 and §933.05, the Grand Jury requests each entity or individual named below to respond to the findings and recommendations within the specified statutory time limit. Responses to Findings shall be either: • Agree • Disagree with an explanation • Disagree partially with an explanation Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: • Has been implemented, with a summary of the implementation actions taken • Will be implemented, with an implementation schedule • Requires further analysis, with an analysis completion date of fewer than 6 months after the issuance of the report • It will not be implemented with an explanation of why Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools: 60 days
Agency Responses 15
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
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Ballard School District
• 15 responses
•
Score: -4
(+1, 9, -5)
View Details ▾
15 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially. While we agree that SBCEO hosts an excellent annual safety symposium, this finding doesn't account for how tough it is for a tiny school staff to attend all-day events. We do
everything we can within our small staffing limits to ensure our leadership participates and brings those vital safety practices directly back to our campus team.
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Our district leadership already makes it a routine priority to attend the SBCEO safety symposium so we stay perfectly aligned with local emergency guidelines.
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented. Because of the sensitive safety topics discussed, SBCEO does not archive or stream these presentations online. Since an online option doesn't exist, we cannot encourage staff to take it. We will keep using a "train-the-trainer" method where the administrators who attend share the information directly with the rest of our staff.
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. We are fully compliant with California Education Code Sections 32280-32289.6. Our Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) is updated and approved by our Board of Trustees every single year, and we make refreshing our staff on safety protocols a continuous focus.
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented.
We run regular, age-appropriate safety drills for fire, earthquakes, and lockdowns every semester with our staff and students, fully in line with our school safety plan.
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. We make sure all substitute teachers and temporary staff are given our emergency protocols, site maps, and safety rules before they take over a classroom.
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Every classroom and common area on our campus is equipped with clear, easy-to-read posters and emergency reference sheets detailing our safety protocols.
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially. An open culture where people speak up is incredibly important, but a digital reporting app or anonymous box is not the right fit for a small elementary school. With only 104 young children, we find that the best way to catch potential threats is through the close, trusting bonds our kids have with our teachers and staff, rather than online tools built for older teenagers.
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Our staff regularly receives professional development focused on student well-being, building healthy classroom boundaries, mandatory reporting, and connecting with local mental health resources.
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented. An anonymous physical drop box or digital device app is not developmentally appropriate for children between the ages of 4 and 12. At the elementary level, these tools often lead to accidental misuse or unnecessary worry. In our 104-student community, safety is built on personal trust-we teach our students to talk directly to an adult they know when something is wrong.
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially. Law enforcement officers are wonderful assets for high schools and middle schools, but we have an exceptional safety record with zero on-campus crime. Stationing a full-time deputy at our small elementary school would be an unnecessary use of public education funds.
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
: The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD). Response: Will not be implemented. Funding a full-time law enforcement officer on campus is simply too expensive for a tiny elementary district and would take critical resources away from regular classroom teaching. We enjoy an incredibly fast response time and close relationship with our local law enforcement officers when needed, without having to station one on campus full-time.
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree. This finding does not apply to Ballard School. We strictly manage campus access by requiring all visitors to check in directly at our front office, where we log and track guest identifications manually.
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented. Paying for an automated, electronic background-checking database system is not realistic or practical for a single-campus school of 104 students. Because our community is so small, our office staff personally know almost every parent and guardian who walks through the door, and our current manual sign-in protocols keep our campus completely secure. The Ballard School District is entirely devoted to protecting our school community. However, we hope future Grand Juries will talk directly with very small districts before recommending broad, expensive safety mandates. Secu...
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially. While we know safety needs look different across the county, this finding misses the geographic reality of our site. Ballard School sits on a beautiful, wide-open five-acre property, which makes installing total perimeter fencing and gates completely unfeasible and unaffordable for us. Instead, we have smartly fortified our campus from the inside out. We enforce a strict check-in policy, our classrooms lock securely from the inside, our team uses instant communication devices, and we have upgraded every single room on campus with quick-close shutters and tinted security win...
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Blochman Union Elementary School District
4 pages
• 15 responses
•
Score: -4
(+1, 8, -5)
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15 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree Blochman values SBCEO and otherschool safety trainings and ensures districtadministrators participate in applicable professional development. Information gained through these trainings is shared with staff and incorporated into district safety planning and emergency preparedness.
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 1b
Blochman Response: Has Been Implemented Blochman prioritizes participation by district and site administrators in applicable school safety trainings offered by the Santa Barbara County Education Office and otherqualified organizations.
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Recommendation 1c
Blochman Response: Will Be Implemented Recognizing staffing limitations common to small districts, Blochman will continue expanding opportunities forcertificated and classified staffto receive school safety training through district professional development, online resources, and information sharedby administrators following county trainings.
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially Blochman maintains a Comprehensive School Safety Plan and conducts required emergency drills throughout the school year. Safety procedures are reviewed with staffregularly. As with any school district, ongoing training and refreshers continue to strengthen staff preparedness.
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 2a
Blochman Response: Has Been Implemented Blochman conducts required emergency drills throughout the school year in accordance with California law and its Comprehensive School Safety Plan.
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 2b
Blochman Response: Has Been Implemented Temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, receive emergency response information and school-specific safety procedures before assumingclassroom responsibilities, with reference materials available during theirassignments.
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 2c
Blochman Response: Has Been Implemented Emergency response procedures are available in classrooms andkey locations to provide staffwith quick reference guidance during emergencies.
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree Blochman promotes aculture of reporting safety concerns through students, staff, and families. Reports of potential threats are investigated promptly by administration and appropriate multidisciplinary personnel in accordance with districtprocedures.
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 3a
Blochman Response: Has Been Implemented District staffreceive ongoingprofessiona! development addressing student safety, behavioral intervention, trauma-informedpractices, crisis response, and collaboration with community agencieswhen appropriate.
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
Requires FurtherAnalysis Blochman encourages students, families, and staffto report safety concerns through established reporting procedures. The districtwill continue evaluating additional anonymous reporting options that are appropriate fora small TK-8 districtand fiscally sustainable.
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially While a dedicated School Resource Officercan provide value, Blochman maintains strong working relationships with local law enforcement and emergencyresponders. Given the district's size and available resources, a full-time SRO is not presently the mostpractical use of public funds.
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will Not Be Implemented Although the districtvalues its partnership with local law enforcement, employing a full-time School Resource Officer is notcurrentlythe most effective use oflimiteddistrictresources given Blochman's enrollment andexisting safety practices. Recommendations 5a & 5b Blochman Response: Has Been Implemented Visitors are required to report to the school office, complete identification and sign-in procedures, and wearvisitor identification while on campus in accordance with districtprocedures.
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree Blochman has established visitormanagement procedures requiringvisitors to report to the office, where identification and sign-in procedures are completed before access to campus is granted.
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree The district continually evaluates campus safety infrastructure through its Comprehensive School Safety Plan andongoing site reviews. Safety improvements are implementedas resources permit and basedupon identified needs.
Blochman's Responses to Recommendations
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 6
Blochman Response: Has Been Implemented Blochman periodically reviews campus safety infrastructure through its Comprehensive School Safety Plan and ongoing site evaluations.
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Carpinteria Unified School District
4 pages
• 1 response
•
Score: 0
(+0, 1, 0)
View Details ▾
1 response to findings and recommendations
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
: The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs. Has been implemented. CUSD has partnered with AHA and Family Service Agency (FSA) to provide training for staff in supporting student needs.
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Cold Spring School District
June 12, 2026
•
11 pages
• 17 responses
•
Score: -3
(+3, 8, -6)
View Details ▾
17 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. Cold Spring School District agrees that training related to identifying pathways to targeted violence is important and that access to school safety training should be available for school administrators, teachers, classified staff, substitute teachers, temporary personnel, and other school employees. Cold Spring School District has long prioritized training related to emergency preparedness, threat response, student wellness, and safety protocols. The District has implemented the Standard Response Protocol and trains staff on emergency procedures. In addition, the District values the sc...
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented as written.
Cold Spring School District agrees with the intent of this recommendation, which is to ensure that school district administrative leaders remain current on school safety practices, targeted violence prevention, emergency response procedures, and evolving best practices. However, the District does not believe that requiring attendance at a specifically defined in-person "School Safety Symposium" at least once every two years is necessary, feasible, or the most effective way to accomplish this purpose for Cold Spring School District. Cold Spring is a single-s...
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented as written. Cold Spring School District agrees with the intent of this recommendation: all teachers and staff should receive regular, meaningful, and current school safety training. However, the District does not believe that requiring or formally encouraging all teachers and staff to attend a specific School Safety Symposium in person, or to access a specific online seminar annually, is necessary, feasible, or the most effective way to meet this objective for Cold Spring School District. Cold Spring School District has already implemented annual school safety training ...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. Cold Spring School District agrees that all staff should receive clear, consistent, and repeated training on safety protocols. The District also agrees that training should include full-time staff, part-time staff, substitutes, temporary personnel, and students. Cold Spring School District has an adopted Comprehensive School Safety Plan and provides training and drills related to emergency response procedures. The District was an early adopter of the Standard Response Protocol and continues to train staff and students using common language and age-appropriate expectations. Cold Spring h...
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented.
Cold Spring School District trains and drills staff and students in campus safety and emergency procedures, including the Standard Response Protocol. The District conducts safety drills and reviews emergency procedures with staff and students in a developmentally appropriate manner. All staff are trained on the Standard Response Protocol, and students are provided with age-appropriate safety instruction. The District's student-friendly safety video helps students understand safety procedures in a calm, accessible, and developmentally appropriate way. Cold Spring will con...
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Cold Spring School District has implemented this recommendation district-wide. All substitute teachers and temporary personnel receive written directions regarding the District's emergency procedures and Standard Response Protocol every time they substitute or serve on campus. The District provides substitute teachers with a one- to two-page written document that includes the Standard Response Protocol, emergency procedures, and clear directions regarding what to do in the event of an emergency. This information is provided as part of the substitute materials so that temp...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Cold Spring School District has implemented the Standard Response Protocol and provides staff with clear emergency response procedures. The District uses common emergency response language and has trained staff in the Standard Response Protocol.
The District provides simple emergency response information in classrooms and appropriate public spaces so staff can quickly reference emergency procedures. The District will continue to ensure that quick-reference emergency response information is available in classrooms and appropriate public spaces. The District will also cont...
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. Cold Spring School District agrees that a strong watch, listen, and report culture is essential to school safety. The District also agrees that students, parents, and staff should have multiple ways to report concerns, including concerns related to threats, weapons, student wellness, bullying, self-harm, or other safety issues. As a small single-school district, Cold Spring benefits from close relationships among students, staff, families, and administration. Students are known well by adults on campus, and staff are trained to respond quickly when concerns arise. The Superintendent/Pri...
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Cold Spring School District has implemented practices designed to build trust, maintain healthy boundaries, and connect students and families with appropriate support. As a small elementary school district, Cold Spring places a high value on relationships, student belonging, social-emotional support, and proactive communication with families. The District supports student needs through classroom teachers, the Superintendent/Principal, the school psychologist, intervention staff, special education staff, and community partnerships. Cold Spring also partners with the Cook C...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Cold Spring School District has implemented multiple pathways for students and parents/guardians to report concerns, including anonymous reporting options. Each year, students complete an anonymous survey that allows them to communicate concerns related to school safety, school climate, peer relationships, belonging, and overall well-being. The District reviews this feedback to identify concerns, monitor trends, and strengthen student support and campus safety practices. In addition to the annual anonymous student survey, Cold Spring School District provides a physical dr...
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially. Cold Spring School District agrees that School Resource Officers or Deputies may be valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on some campuses, particularly larger middle schools and high schools. The District also agrees that strong relationships with local law enforcement are essential to school safety. However, Cold Spring School District is a small TK-6 elementary school district with approximately 192 students and does not employ a full-time School Resource Officer or Deputy. The District maintains strong working relationships with local law...
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented at this time. Cold Spring School District does not plan to employ a full-time School Resource Officer or Deputy at this time. The District is a small TK-6 elementary school district, and based on its size, grade span, campus design, safety infrastructure, and existing relationship with local law enforcement, the District does not believe that a full-time School Resource Officer or Deputy is currently necessary or the most appropriate use of limited school resources. The District has implemented significant safety infrastructure and procedures, including the Standard Res...
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree as to Cold Spring School District; agree that strong visitor access controls are essential. Cold Spring School District agrees that visitor access controls are essential to school safety. However, the District does not agree that this finding accurately describes Cold Spring School. Cold Spring maintains a locked campus during school hours. Visitors cannot enter campus without first using the front gate entry system. Office staff are able to see and communicate with visitors before granting access. The District also maintains security cameras at the front entry, in the back of campus,...
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented. Cold Spring School District agrees that visitor access control is essential to school safety. However, the District will not implement an additional government-issued identification verification system or database system to check for restraining orders or other legal restrictions at this time because Cold Spring already has strong visitor access controls in place that are appropriate for its size, campus design, and school community. Cold Spring School District is a single-school elementary district serving approximately 192 students. As a small school community, staff...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Cold Spring School District requires visitors to check in through the school office before entering campus. Visitors are identified before access is granted through the locked front gate and controlled-entry system. Once admitted to campus, visitors report directly to the office, check in, and receive a visitor badge. Visitors are expected to wear the badge visibly while on campus during school hours. The District will continue to review visitor procedures annually to ensure that visitor identification remains clear, consistent, and aligned with current safety expectation...
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree as to Cold Spring School District; agree that all districts should regularly review safety infrastructure. Cold Spring School District agrees that schools must have strong safety infrastructure and regularly review the adequacy of fences, cameras, locking systems, controlled access points, and communication systems. However, the District does not agree that this finding accurately describes Cold Spring School. Cold Spring has implemented significant safety improvements over the past nine years. Following a safety review by the Department of Homeland Security, the District identified a...
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Cold Spring School District conducts ongoing and annual review of school safety through its Comprehensive School Safety Plan process. The District's safety planning includes review of emergency procedures, campus access, communication, supervision, law enforcement coordination, and physical safety infrastructure. Cold Spring has already implemented several of the safety infrastructure improvements referenced in the Grand Jury's report. These include video security cameras at key points across campus, a controlled-entry front gate, a locked campus during school hours, a sc...
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Cuyama Joint Unified School District
7 pages
• 16 responses
•
Score: +8
(+9, 6, -1)
View Details ▾
16 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree.
Unified Cuyama 2300 Highway 166, New Cuyama, California 93254 (661) 766-2482 + FAX: (661) 766-2255 Cuyama Joint Unified School District recognizes the value ofthe Santa Barbara County Education Office School Safety Symposium and acknowledges that participation by district personnel may be limited due to staffing, scheduling, travel requirements, and the operational needs ofa small rural district. The District supports continued professional development opportunities that strengthen school safety preparedness.
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, participation in the School Safety Symposium will be incorporated into administrative professional development planning. District administrative staff
Joint School District Unified Cuyama 2300 Highway 166, New Cuyama, California 93254 (661) 766-2482 FAX: (661) 766-2255 will attend in person at least once every two years, subject to scheduling considerations and operational needs. Recommendation lc Encourage teachers andstaffto attendthe SchoolSafety Symposium inperson or access online seminar materials annually. Response: Will Be Im...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. The District maintains Comprehensive School Safety Plan and recognizes the importance of a ongoing stafftraining to ensure all personnel remain familiar with emergency procedures, safety protocols, and their responsibilities during critical incidents.
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 2a
Response: Has Been Implemented.
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 2b
Response: Has Been Implemented.
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Recommendation 2c
Response: Will Be Implemented.
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. The District supports a culture that encourages students, staff, parents, and community members to report concerns regarding safety and well-being. CJUSD recognizes that anonymous reporting mechanisms can be valuable tools for identifying concerns before they escalate and supports efforts to strengthen reporting options.
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented. During the 2026-2027 school year, CJUSD will evaluate anonymous reporting options appropriate forthe District's size and resources and implement a reporting process that allows students, staff, parents, and community members to report safety concerns confidentially. The District will establish both electronic and physical anonymous reporting mechanisms and provide annual training regarding reporting procedures and the importance of reporting safety concerns. Implementation is anticipated by January 2027.
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Recommendation 3b
Response: Will Be Implemented.
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. CJUSD agrees that positive partnerships with law enforcement agencies contribute to school safety and that trained law enforcement personnel can provide valuable support in preventing
Unified Cuyama 2300 Highway 166, New Cuyama, California 93254 (661) 766-2482 + FAX: (661) 766-2255 and responding to potential threats. However, the District's rural location, enrollment size, and financial capacity present challenges to maintaining a dedicated School Resource Officer or School Resource Deputy program.
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Requires Analysis
Score: 0
Requires Further Analysis. Analysis Completion Date: January 31, 2027. The District will review available visitor management systems and assess the feasibility, costs, privacy considerations, and operational impacts associated with identification verification technologies and other visitor screening measures.
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially with Explanation. CJUSD has established visitor management procedures that include controlled access points, visitor sign-in requirements, and staffmonitoring of campus visitors. While the District believes current procedures provide appropriate oversight, it also recognizes the importance of continually evaluating and strengthening visitor management practices as circumstances and available resources evolve.
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will Not Be Implemented. Visitors are required to check in through the school office and are provided visitor identification while on campus. The District believes its current procedures appropriately balance school security, operational efficiency, and community access and will continue monitoring compliance and refining procedures as appropriate.
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented and Will Continue to Be Evaluated. CJUSD conducts regular reviews of campus security measures, including communications systems, access controls, camera coverage, and facility improvements through its school safety planning process. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the District will maintain documentation ofthese reviews and continue evaluating opportunities for safety infrastructure improvements as funding becomes available.
Unified Cuyama 2300 Highway 166, New Cuyama, California 93254 (661) 766-2482 + FAX: (661) 766-2255 Cuyama Joint Unified School District value...
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree. The District continuously evaluates campus safety infrastructure and has implemented numerous measures designed to enhance campus security. The adequacy of safety infrastructure depends upon facility conditions, risk assessments, available funding, and evolving best practices in school safety. Responses to Recommendations
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 6
Response: Has Been Implemented and Will Continue to Be Evaluated.
▶
Goleta Union Elementary School District
September 03, 2026
•
6 pages
• 17 responses
•
Score: +4
(+7, 7, -3)
View Details ▾
17 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree
Recommendation 1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in-person at least once every two years. GUSD
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented GUSD's administrative leadership attended and participated in the annual School Safety Symposium convened by SBCEO in 2025 and plans to continue participating. 401 North FairviewAvenue « Goleta, CA 93117* (805) 681-1200
Recommendation 1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staffto attend the School Safety Symposium in-person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually. GUSD
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented GUSD respectfully declines the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury's recommendation to encourage teachers and staffto attend the countywide School Safety Symposium, as localized training at the building level at the start ofthe school year provides superior safety preparedness. GUSD principals review critical elements oftheir Comprehensive School Safety Plans (CSSPs) with their staffat the start ofeach school year. Conducting training at each school allows staffto learn the exact emergency layouts, specific evacuation routes, and localized roles that they need to know, tran...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree
Recommendation 2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester. GUSD
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented GUSD schools hold safety drills aligned with the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) monthly, throughout the school year. Each school schedules its drills forthe year before the school year begins and submits a report to the Pupil Services office at the conclusion ofeach drill.
Recommendation 2b
401 North FairviewAvenue « Goleta, CA 93117* (805) 681-1200 2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location....
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented GUSD provides training on safety protocols including the Standard Response Protocol to all employees using temporary permits (including Provisional Intern Permits, Short-Term Staff Permits, and Limited Assignment Permits). Additionally this training is provided to all long-term substitute teachers priorto placing them in the classroom with students.
Recommendation 2c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures i...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented GUSD has been implementing the SRP protocol for several years. We train staffon the SRP protocol at the start ofeach school year as part of our annual review ofthe Comprehensive School Safety Plans. We have provided quick-reference emergency response information for all classes previously but will confirm that they are still in place by the end of October.
Finding 3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement ofthreat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or p...
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree
Recommendation 3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs. GUSD
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented GUSD takes pride in our investment in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS explicitly teaches that trust is established by co-creating expectations to create culturally responsive matrices that reflect shared values. Teachers are trained on a three-tiered model of support that helps educators recognize when a student's emotional or behavioral needs require support beyond the classroom managed or school-level interventions. Our school teams partnerwith community agencies, most regularly through our school liaisons, who connect families with resources ...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented GUSD is in the process of adding anonymous reporting boxes at all school campuses. Some are already in place and all schools will have them by the end of September.
Finding 4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them. GUSD
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree
Recommendation 4
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD). GUSD
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented GUSD respectfully declines the Grand Jury's recommendation to employ School Resource Officers (SRO) or School Resource Deputies (SRD), as our elementary school district maintains a strong, collaborative partnership with local law enforcement that effectively meets our campus safety needs without the dedicated hiring ofon-site officers. GUSD acknowledges that there are 20 unique school districts across Santa Barbara County, each with distinct student demographics, campus scales, and community needs that require localized approaches to safety. For our elementary school co...
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with an explanation GUSD recognizes that there are 20 school districts in the county and cannot speak to visitor access issues at all county schools. However, GUSD disagrees that its schools lack adequate controls for visitor access. This issue was an area offocus during the 2025-26 school year as we supported our campuses with new immigration 401 North FairviewAvenue * Goleta, CA 93117+ (805) 681-1200 4
enforcement protocols that focused our attention on entry points as well as procedures for visitors.
Recommendation 5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County...
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
It will not be implemented with an explanation ofwhy GUSD agrees that visitor access is an important aspect of school safety. The District already has a process for documenting restraining orders and legal restrictions when we receive them. We require all visitors to check in and wear a badge and verify identification from unknown adults. GUSD does not agree that adding additional procedures in this area is necessary.
Recommendation 5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitorwh...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented GUSD's current protocol requires visitors to sign in and wear a visitor badge while on campus during school hours.
Finding 6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices. GUSD
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with an explanation GUSD recognizes that there are 20 school districts in the county and cannot speak to safety infrastructure issues at all county schools. GUSD disagrees that its schools lack adequate safety infrastructure as described in finding 6. However, GUSD will continue to evaluate our safety infrastructure including fences, cameras, access points, etc. as part of your annual cycle for revising Comprehensive School Safety Plans at our nine schools.
Recommendation 6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an...
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented 401 North FairviewAvenue ¢ Goleta, CA 93117¢ (805) 681-1200 5
GUSD reviews security each yearwith principals as part ofthe development ofthe annual CSSPs. This review includes but is not limited to considerations video camera locations, and radio communication within the school site and with the district office. However GUSD has not considered the technology innovations mentioned in the Grand Jury report and commits to do so by December of 2026 as part ofthe CSSP development process. Respectfully submitted Mary Kah, Ed.D Superintendent, Goleta Union School District 401 Nor...
▶
Montecito Union School District
5 pages
• 18 responses
•
Score: -3
(+1, 12, -4)
View Details ▾
18 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
MUSD Disagrees Partially, MUSD staff members have attended every SBCEO School Safety Symposium and have brought back the lessons, tools, and materials to our one-school district in a way that is accessible to all employees.
R1a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County Education Office make its School Safety Symposium available online for ease of accessibility for school staffs county-wide.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
MUSD was not asked to respond to this recommendation.
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
MUSD has implemented this recommendation. MUSD already prioritizes regular, in-person attendance at the SBCEO School Safety Symposium.
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
MUSD will not implement this recommendation. The presentations at these sessions are often highly sensitive in nature, not allowing the presenter to include the material digitally in an appropriate and responsible manner. Since a digital platform cannot exist, MUSD cannot mandate or encourage staff to access it annually. We will continue to send representatives to the trainings who will, in turn, come back to MUSD with updated skills and information to share.
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
MUSD Agrees. Our Comprehensive School Safety Plans are fully compliant and the ongoing, annual safety training of all staff will remain a priority.
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
MUSD has implemented this recommendation. MUSD provides monthly drills for all students and staff on Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter protocols as well as a variety of emergency scenarios.
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
MUSD has implemented this recommendation. Site profiles, emergency procedures, and Standard Response Protocol (SRP) parameters are systematically made available to temporary and substitute personnel to ensure instructional continuity and safety baseline execution. District ID tag cards contain a QR code that provides ready access to our safety plan and a platform that would provide real-time updates in the case of an actual emergency. Radios throughout campus are provided, including in each instructional area, to allow for real-time communication in the case of an emergency. Additionally, our ...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
MUSD has implemented this recommendation. Informational posters which cover the Standard Response Protocols (SRPs) are posted in every classroom and public area .
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
MUSD Disagrees Partially, While the District agrees that a proactive culture of reporting is vital, the finding fails to differentiate between high school environments and elementary environments. In a TK-6 elementary district, threat reporting is optimized through strong relational bonds with trusted adults, counselors, and robust Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks, rather than digital reporting mechanics designed for older student demographics.
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
MUSD has implemented this recommendation. MUSD continuously updates its protocols and professional development around student safety, mandatory reporting, behavioral boundaries, and community-partnered mental health resources to maintain safe, supportive environments.
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
MUSD will not implement this recommendation. Implementing anonymous physical drop boxes or digital reporting software on devices is developmentally inappropriate for our student base (ages 4 to 12). For elementary school students, anonymous digital tools frequently result in behavioral misuse or heightened anxiety. Safety in a TK-6 environment is best achieved by fostering high-trust relationships where students speak directly to counselors, teachers, and administrators.
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially. While MUSD acknowledges that School Resource Officers (SROs) or School Resource Deputies (SRDs) can serve as assets in certain secondary educational environments, studies regarding their overall efficacy are mixed. Furthermore, MUSD is a safe, one-school district in a neighborhood with very little criminal activity, especially during the school day. The hiring of SROs or SRDs would not be a good use of public funds.
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
MUSD will not implement this recommendation. The cost of purchasing full-time sworn law enforcement personnel is prohibitively expensive and represents an unsustainable allocation of public education funds for a small elementary district. Given that our campus experiences zero school-hour criminal activity, forcing the implementation of an SRO/SRD would provide no measurable safety benefit while actively stripping vital funds away from classroom instruction and essential student programming. Recently, the Santa Barbara Sheriff's office opened a sub-station to improve response times to our comm...
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
MUSD Disagrees partially. While we cannot speak to all schools in the area, MUSD has adequate visitor controls for visitor access.
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
MUSD will not implement this recommendation. While the District agrees with the intent of controlling visitor access, the procurement, licensing, and management of specialized automated legal screening databases are cost-prohibitive for our small district. Our existing human-verified sign-in controls, mandatory badge visibility, and reduced perimeters during instruction hours provide effective security without depleting general fund resources. Moreover, such implementation may serve to have a chilling effect, discouraging family members from visiting the school. Many of our families prize thei...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
MUSD has implemented this recommendation. All visitors to campus must wear a visible badge during school hours.
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
MUSD Disagrees Partially, MUSD can't speak to other campuses, but our school campus has adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
MUSD has implemented this recommendation. MUSD does an annual safety and security review, has ample video security cameras that utilize artificial intelligence, and has two-way communications across campus with radios, phones, as well as a public address system. We do not utilize drones and do not plan to as that would be impractical, an expensive use of the public's dollars, potentially unsafe, and as we have never seen this technology successfully employed in a TK-6 school in a way that improved safety and security.
▶
Orcutt Union Elementary School District
7 pages
• 17 responses
•
Score: -5
(+1, 10, -6)
View Details ▾
17 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree Orcutt values safety trainings provided by SBCEO and other entities, and it has worked to have strong participation in them by its district and site administrators. Orcutt follows a team approach to these trainings; with multiple administrators attending each one, they can compare notes and takeaways, discuss implications for Orcutt, talk through next steps for the district, and present to colleagues afterward. SBCEO trainings in, for example, multi-disciplinary threat assessment and crisis communications have directly translated into district practice.
Finding 2
Santa Barbara Count...
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented Orcutt has made it a priority for the superintendent, assistant superintendents, and school principals to be regular participants in SBCEO safety trainings. Our district and school leaders have indeed been participating at least once every two years.
Recommendation 1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in-person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually. OUSD
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will Not Be Implemented Due to the ongoing shortage of substitute teachers, it simply is not realistic for us to release our teaching staff to attend all-day safety trainings either in person or virtually. We have been successful to date in sending district and school leaders to safety trainings and having them share with staff the key learnings. As needed, we also have incorporated safety topics into district professional development days. Nationally recognized school safety expert Jeff Solomon of Consortium Training and Consulting did two full-day trainings for OUSD staff during the 2023-202...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially Schools practice throughout the school year the Hold, Secure, Lockdown, and Evacuate responses from the Standard Response Protocol. Drills are scheduled at various times of the day, including after school, so as many school personnel as possible can learn and execute the safety protocols. This being said, we acknowledge that some staff always would appreciate more information and training on safety protocols. Accordingly, school safety is an ongoing topic at school staff meetings.
Finding 3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report c...
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented Orcutt schools practice Standard Response Protocol responses for fire, earthquake, and intruders throughout the school year as required by state law. All personnel on campus participate. School administrators inform parents/guardians once the drill has been completed so they are aware of the drill.
Recommendation 2b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location. OUSD
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented Information on the Standard Response Protocol has been included in periodic trainings provided for substitute teachers. Most office staff also discuss the Standard Response Protocol with substitute teachers and substitute classified personnel who are new to the district. This being said, Orcutt understands the importance of substitute personnel being "in the loop" on this important information and will work in 2026-2027 to make sure we have covered everyone.
Recommendation 2c
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situ...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented Orcutt has flip charts with Standard Response Protocol procedures accessible in all classrooms and public rooms. Offices and other public rooms have a Standard Response Protocol poster displayed.
Recommendation 3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs. OUSD
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree Orcutt has a "See Something, Say Something" anonymous reporting form on the district website
and on each school website. Anonymous reports are sent directly to school administrators for follow-up, and counselors typically are included in this response.
Finding 4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in presenting or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them. OUSD
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented In the past year administrators and teachers received training in trauma informed practice from Dr. Robert Macy and Frank Grijalva of the International Trauma Center. Many staff have participated in training sessions on restorative practices, crisis de-escalation, and nonviolent crisis intervention. The district has trained secondary staff on appropriate adult-student interactions (in association with Board Policy 4119.24). The district partners with community organizations such as Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department B...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented As stated in the
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially Orcutt sees that the on-campus presence of law enforcement officers would be an important asset in certain emergency situations. That said, our schools do not typically experience criminal activity during school hours. Employing one or more full-time School Resource Officers or Deputies would constitute an impractical use of public funds for our school system. Moreover, we already have a strong partnership with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department that we believe contributes to school safety.
Finding 5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack ade...
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will Not Be Implemented As stated in the
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree Orcutt has implemented a specific protocol for visitors to enter a school campus. Visitors must check in with the school office and produce photo identification for a check by our Securly system for Megan's Law status or other violations recorded in the Department of Justice database. Once cleared by Securly, visitors are issued a Visitor sticker that is required to be worn while they are on campus.
Finding 6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and inst...
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Recommendation 5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
OUSD Response to Recommendations 5a and 5b: Has Been Implemented As stated in the response to ...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
OUSD Response to Recommendations 5a and 5b: Has Been Implemented As stated in the response to Finding 5, Orcutt has implemented a specific protocol for visitors to enter a school campus. Visitors must check in with the school office and produce photo identification for a check by our Securly system for Megan's Law status or other violations recorded in the Department of Justice database. Once cleared b...
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree A school bond measure approved by Orcutt voters in 2016 funded security improvements on all school sites that included perimeter fencing and a single access point for the public during the school day. The access point takes visitors through the school office, where they are to check in, be screened, and receive a Visitor sticker (see narrative for Finding 5).
Responses to Recommendations
Recommendation 1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two yea...
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented Orcutt's schools continually reflect on camera coverage and how it can be enhanced; this process has led to requests for additional cameras to be installed by our Technology Department. School administrators, especially secondary administrators, also have been involved in adding improvements such as vape sensors. School safety is an evolving field, and we welcome additional ideas for leveling up. Respectfully submitted, Melanie Waffle President, Board of Trustees Orcutt Union School District Holly Edds, Ed.D. Superintendent Orcutt Union School District
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Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools
• 18 responses
•
Score: 0
(+1, 0, -1)
View Details ▾
18 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree
Recommendation 1a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County Education Office make its School Safety Symposium available online for ease ofaccessibilityfor school staff county-wide.
The Honorable Patricia Kelly Stacy Mezzetta de Cossio, Grand Jury Foreperson Grand Jury Members Page 2 SBCEO
R1a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County Education Office make its School Safety Symposium available online for ease of accessibility for school staffs county-wide.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented SBCEO agrees with the Grand Jury's goal of increasing access to school safetytraining and resources for school personnel throughout Santa Barbara County. However, the Safety Symposiums will not be recorded or shared online, due to several factors, including: Presenter permission requirements (e.g., FBI presenters) e Evolving formats that include table discussions, group work, question and answer sessions, panel presentations, mixed-media activities The sensitive nature ofmany school safetytopics e Varying intended audiences for each symposium (e.g., trainer-of-trainers,...
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
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Santa Barbara Unified School District
6 pages
• 17 responses
•
Score: +6
(+6, 10, 0)
View Details ▾
17 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree.
R1a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County Education Office make its School Safety Symposium available online for ease of accessibility for school staffs county-wide.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
Agree.
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented, with an implementation schedule. We will direct administrative leaders to attend the SBCEO School Safety Symposium, or equivalent school safety training addressing pathways to targeted violence, at least once every two years, beginning with the 2026-27 school year orthe next available Symposium.
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented, with an implementation schedule. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, or the next available Symposium, we will encourage representative teachers and staff to attend the SBCEO School Safety Symposium in person, or if in-person attendance is not possible, to access the online seminar or equivalent school safety training annually. Our encouragement will run through site-level communications and existing safety training expectations. As further evidence of our commitment to this direction, we already require all employees to complete annual mandated safety training, which rei...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree.
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented, with an implementation schedule. Each of our sites conducts campus safety drills at least once per semester, and site administrators report those drills through the CrisisGo platform. All fulltime campus personnel and students participate in the drills as part of site-level safety training. We will implement annual active shooter drills for personnel, beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. We provide substitute teachers and other temporary personnel with written and verbal instruction on classroom safety protocols before they enter a new classroom. Our substitute handbook includes an emergency procedures section covering fire, earthquake, threats, and other emergencies. School sites provide arriving substitutes with a site-specific packet containing their assignment and emergency preparedness information for the site. Each classroom is equipped with an emergency preparedness clipboard for use during an event. We continue to monitor site-level consistency in...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Emergency response posters are posted in every classroom and in public spaces across all our schools, providing clear, simple instructions for standard emergency scenarios.
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with an explanation. We cannot speak to conditions at other County schools. As applied to us, we have a watch, listen, and report culture supported by our Culture of Care framework (which begins with a Prevent step focused on building belonging at every school, followed by Recognize, Respond, Report, and Repair) and our Trusted Adult Framework training. We also provide an anonymous reporting pathway through Safe2SpeakUp, as further described in our responses to Recommendations 3a and 3b below.
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Our Trusted Adult Framework provides annual training to Family Engagement Liaisons, mental health clinicians, campus safety supervisors, and site administrators on building trusting relationships with students, understanding healthy boundaries, and engaging in strategic partnerships. Our Panorama survey measures student
and adult trusting relationships across TK-12, with a goal that every student identify at least one trusted adult (and ideally five). We use survey results to identify students who lack these connections and to intervene. We maintain partnerships with com...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. We provide anonymous digital reporting through Safe2SpeakUp, which is available on student devices and integrated with our CrisisGo platform. Safe2SpeakUp allows students and staff to report a full range of concerns anonymously (including safety concerns and equity-related incidents) and provides confirmation that the report has been received. Students use Safe2SpeakUp more than any other reporting channel. We complement it with our Culture of Care framework at every school, which begins with a Prevent step focused on building belonging and adult modeling that reduce harm...
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with an explanation. We cannot speak to conditions at other County schools. As applied to us, we take a deliberately different approach to safety personnel. In 2021, following principal input and community concerns about the school-to-prison pipeline, we eliminated our school-based officer position and redirected the funding to campus safety assistants and mental health clinicians. That decision reflects our considered judgment about what most effectively supports safety on our campuses. We continue to maintain working relationships with the Santa Barbara Police Department a...
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with an explanation. We cannot speak to conditions at other County schools. As applied to us, our visitor access controls are suited to our campuses and to the different purposes for which visitors come to them. Signage across every campus directs visitors to the front office to check in, and our check-in process matches the verification to the purpose of the visit. When a visitor seeks the release of a student, office staff require valid government-issued photo identification and verify the visitor against the authorized pickup list in our Aeries student information system....
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented, with an implementation schedule. By December 31, 2026, we will assess visitor check-in practices across all sites, identify and address any gaps, and provide the training and materials needed so that every site applies our check-in process consistently, including photo identification verified against the authorized pickup list in Aeries whenever a visitor seeks the release ofa student. Restraining orders and other legal restrictions affecting our students are logged in ourAeries student information system; the number ofactive orders is limited, and our office staff at each...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. We require all school sites to issue visitors a sticker-based badge at check-in and to require its visibility while on campus during school hours.
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with an explanation. We cannot speak to conditions at other County schools. As applied to us, our safety infrastructure is adequate. As described in our introduction, our campuses are open by design, and we secure them through layered measures suited to that design rather than through perimeter hardening. Our cameras, communications systems, restricted access points, and classroom locks are subject to ongoing site-level review and improvement, as further described in our response to
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
below. Recommendation 6: The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. Response: Has been implemented. Each of our school sites annually reviews their Comprehensive School Safety Plan, addressing video security cameras, two-way communications, physical infrastructure, and emerging techn...
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Santa Maria-Bonita School District
September 08, 2026
•
7 pages
• 17 responses
•
Score: -2
(+1, 13, -3)
View Details ▾
17 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially SMBSD values the district trainings provided by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) in identifying pathways to targeted violence, and has sent district and school representatives to these trainings. SMBSD recognizes that limitations exist to in-person attendance, including scheduling, staffing, space, and location.
SMBSD staff have utilized the information presented to update Comprehensive Safe School Plans, trainings for administrators and school staff, and school safety practices across the district. SMBSD believes that SBCEO trainings are valuable, and that...
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented. SMBSD values the district trainings provided by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) and will continue to send district and site representatives; however, ensuring all administrative leaders attend in person every two years may not be practical in ensuring school sites remain safe and functional and is not required to positively impact school safety and safety plans. SMBSD will continue to send key district and school site administrators who then bring back information to ensure Comprehensive School Safety Plans are updated, design training for the distric...
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented. SMBSD trains staff annually on the appropriate schools' Comprehensive Safe School Plans, practices safety drills monthly, and values the training provided by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO). It is not practical for SBCEO to accommodate the more than 2000 staff employed by SMBSD, nor is it practical for SMBSD to send all teachers and staff to SBCEO in person or online seminars annually.
Finding 2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially SMBSD reviews and updates Comprehensive School Safety Plans for each school annually as required by law. These updates and reviews include administrators, school staff, parents, School Site Council, and local law enforcement partners. In addition, staff are trained annually throughout the district on the Standard Response Protocols:
Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Staff are provided a badge with the Standard Response Protocols to ensure in-the-moment access to safety information, and drills are performed monthly at all school sites. SMBSD recognizes that scho...
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. As part of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan, school administrators plan and facilitate drills at each school site throughout the year. This includes 1 lockdown and 1 secure or hold in the first month of school, a monthly evacuation drill between September and May, and a shelter followed by evacuation in October coordinated as part of the district disaster drill and the Great California Shakeout. This plan for safety drills exceeds the recommendations and will continue to be implemented in SMBSD.
Recommendation 2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara Coun...
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented SMBSD will review onboarding and information provided to temporary and guest employees to ensure that Standard Response Protocols and safety information are provided to each employee. While this information is accessed with information provided at each work location, additional information provided, as well as the Standard Response badge and quick reference guides, can support all staff in being prepared for any emergency situation.
Recommendation 2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or i...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. During the 2025-2026 school year, as part of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan training, all school staff and district personnel were provided a quick reference badge and one-page Standard Response guide in English and Spanish to post in their classroom or access at their work location. Access to these resources will be provided along with annual safety training.
Finding 3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting...
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially SMBSD agrees that having reporting systems that allow students to report in an anonymous way helps proactively identify conflicts, school safety. Having systems that allow for reporting in a variety of ways, such as online, drop boxes, or directly to trusted school staff, are positive systems that SMBSD has set up for students across the district. Each school within SMBSD has existing systems for reporting, including online and physical reporting pathways. As a community, "see something, say something" helps SMBSD schools proactively address concerns related to conflict, vio...
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. A restorative approach has been embedded in training throughout SMBSD, with the focus on creating the conditions for positive communities at the district, school, classroom, and individual level. This helps staff build a community of trust and learning in all classrooms. In addition, the expansion of Community Schools throughout SMBSD supports our further engagement with community partners to support students. We maintain partnerships with community organizations such as Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley (FBSMV), Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA), Family Services...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented Each school within SMBSD has existing systems for reporting, including online and physical reporting pathways.
Finding 4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them. Santa Maria-Bonita School District
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially. SMBSD agrees that law enforcement partners are valuable resources in assisting in planning and preparing for emergencies, responding to emergency situations, and supporting community safety.
SMBSD does not currently employ School Resource Officers; however, it maintains a positive relationship with the law enforcement partners. SMBSD uses a proactive approach to planning, prevention, and responding to dangerous situations involving all staff.
Recommendation 4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or D...
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Requires Analysis
Score: 0
Requires further analysis SMBSD maintains a positive relationship with local law enforcement partners. Across our TK-8 sites, the District currently staffs student supervision aides who are responsive and present on campus daily, with additional security personnel at our 7-8 sites. In our experience, having several site-based safety/security officers provides more consistent coverage than a single SRO shared across multiple junior high campuses. Formally adopting an SRO/SRD model involves further considerations between the District and law enforcement - including staffing, funding, and role co...
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially. SMBSD has implemented improved visitor controls progressively over the past several years, including visitor check-in systems through Raptor that provide verification of identity and public database searches to ensure student safety, improved signage delineating public spaces from school facilities, and access for visitors through school offices. While systems are in place, continued progress is being made to ensure that all school facilities, including the district office, employ consistent practices for visitor sign-in.
Recommendation 5a
The Grand Jury recommends that S...
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. SMBSD has implemented improved visitor access requiring valid photo identification, including the use of the visitor check-in systems through Raptor that provide verification of identity and public database searches to ensure student safety.
Recommendation 5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Santa Maria-Bonita School District
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. SMBSD utilizes the Raptor visitor management system to check in visitors. This system generates temporary badges with a photo of the individual and information about their visit. These are provided for visitors upon entry to a school site.
Finding 6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices. Santa Maria-Bonita School District
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree. SMBSD has adequate safety infrastructure at all school sites, including but not limited to perimeter fencing, locking classroom doors, restricted access points, and communication devices used in emergency situations. The Comprehensive School Safety Plan for each school outlines specific safety measures including entrance/egress, campus maps, and communication.
Recommendation 6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way ...
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. SMBSD reviews and updates Comprehensive School Safety Plans for each school annually. These reviews and updates include input from school administrators, teachers, parents, School Site Council, and local law enforcement. In addition, school sites are practicing safety drills on a monthly basis to ensure individuals are trained and prepared to act in an emergency consistent with the Standard Response Protocols adopted by the District and the Santa Barbara County Office of Education (SBCEO). New and improved technologies are ever-evolving, and new technologies in support of...
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Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
August 04, 2026
•
12 pages
• 17 responses
•
Score: -4
(+1, 11, -5)
View Details ▾
17 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree in part. The District agrees that the Santa Barbara County Education Office provides school safety training opportunities, including the School Safety Symposium, and that such training can be valuable. SMJUHSD also recognizes that in-person attendance at countywide trainings may be limited by space, scheduling, staffing, substitute availability, operational demands, and the need to prioritize essential campus coverage. SMJUHSD supports ongoing professional learning related to school safety, threat awareness, emergency response, and student wellness. The District may use a combination of ...
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented as written. The District supports administrative participation in meaningful school safety training, including the School Safety Symposium when appropriate and available. However, SMJUHSD does not believe a mandatory two-year attendance cycle for every administrative leader is necessary orthe most practical method for ensuring safety information reaches site teams. The District may instead use a combination of administrator attendance, training-of-trainers models, site leadership meetings, District safety communications, staffmeetings, and local drills to disseminate re...
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented as written. The District supports providing teachers and staffwithrelevant school safety information and training. However, SMJUHSD does not believe it is practical or necessary to encourage annual in-person attendance by teachers and staffat the School Safety Symposium as the primary means of training all personnel. In-person symposium attendance may be limited by space, role relevance, scheduling, substitute availability, staffing coverage, and operational demands. if The recommendation also refers to accessing an online seminar annually; however, the symposium is not...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree in part. The District agrees that Comprehensive School Safety Plans must be supported by training, communication, drills, and ongoing reinforcement. SMJUHSD does not agree that the finding should be read as a conclusion that District staff generally lack safety information; however, the District recognizes that safety training is an ongoing responsibility and that information must be refreshed, practiced, and communicated in multiple ways. District sites conduct regular safety drills and use Standard Response Protocol materials, emergency folders, posters, staffcommunications, and site-b...
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 2a has been implemented.
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented. SMJUHSD provides substitute teachers and temporary personnel with emergency information through site materials, classroom emergency folders, and teacher-provided notes. The District also uses the countywide Standard Response Protocol framework adopted across Santa Barbara County, which provides common emergency response language and supports coordination among school personnel, law enforcement, fire, and emergency response partners. Because specific emergency procedures may vary by campus layout, classroom location, evacuation route, and incident circumstances, substitute ...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 2c has been implemented.
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree in part. The District agrees that a strong watch, listen, and report culture is important to school safety and early threat identification. SMJUHSD maintains multiple pathways for reporting safety concerns, including direct reporting to trusted adults and electronic anonymous reporting through Securly Tipline, which is accessible through links on District and school websites. When a Tipline report is submitted, notification is routed to appropriate site administrators and District leaders so the concern can be reviewed promptly, assessed for available facts, and investigated as needed. T...
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. The District agrees that trusted adult relationships, healthy boundaries, and strategic community partnerships are important components ofstudent safety and early intervention. SMJUHSD personnel support students through multiple roles, including administrators, teachers, counselors, school psychologists, Wellness Center staff, campus security personnel, School Resource Officers, coaches, classified staff, and community partners. School staff receive safety-related training and communication through District and site-based processes, including mandated trainings, emergency...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will not be implemented as written. SMJUHSD has implemented electronic anonymous reporting through Securly Tipline, which is accessible through links on District and school websites and available to students using Districtprovided devices. Reports may be submitted anonymously and are routed to appropriate site administrators and District leaders forprompt review, fact assessment, and investigation as needed. The District will not implementthe portion ofthe recommendationrequiring physical anonymous drop boxes. The District's comprehensive high schools are large campuses serving thousands of st...
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree in part. The District agrees that School Resource Officers and Deputies can be valuablepartners in preventing, identifying, and responding to potentially dangerous situations on campus. SMJUHSD does not agree that the finding should be read to imply that the District lacks such support. The District's comprehensive high schools each have a full-time School Resource Officer or Deputy assigned to campus. SantaMaria High School and Pioneer Valley High School each have a Santa Maria Police Department officer assigned to campus, and Emest Righetti High School has a Santa Barbara County Sherif...
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 4 has been implemented.
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
"Some schools in SantaBarbara Countyschool districts lack adequate controlsfor visitor access. DistrictResponse: Disagree as to SMJUHSD. The District recognizes that the Grand Jury report was directed broadly to school districts throughout Santa Barbara County and may reflect conditions at other schools or agencies. SMJUHSD does not agree that this finding accurately describes District practice. District sites maintain visitor access procedures that require visitors to check in, provide government-issued identification, and receive a visitor pass or badge before proceeding onto campus. SMJUHSD...
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
"The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizinga system that checksfor restraining orders or other legal restrictions. DistrictResponse: Has been implemented. SMJUHSD requires visitors toprovide valid government-issued identificationwhenchecking induring the school day. District sites use the Visitor Aware system, which assists with visitor screening and supports identification oflegal restrictions or other safety concerns be...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 5b has been implemented.
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree as to SMJUHSD. The District recognizes that the Grand Jury report was directed broadly to schools throughout Santa Barbara County and may reflect conditions at other campuses or agencies. SMJUHSD does not agree that this finding accurately describes District practice. District campuses maintain layered safety infrastructure that includes closed-campus procedures, perimeter fencing, controlled visitor access, designated entry practices, extensive camera systems, campus supervision, communication systems, interior safety procedures, restricted access practices, and ongoing coordination ...
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Recommendation 6 has been implemented.
▶
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District
10 pages
• 16 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 15, 0)
View Details ▾
16 responses to findings and recommendations
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already Implemented The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's emphasis on school safety and shares the goal of ensuring that district leadership remains informed regarding current school safety practices, emergency preparedness, and targeted violence prevention. This recommendation has already been implemented in practice. The District regularly sends a multi-disciplinary team of administrative leaders and key emergency response personnel to the Santa Barbara County Education Office School Safety Symposium. Participants have included the Superintendent, Assistant Principals, the School Resource De...
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already implemented The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's objective of promoting school safety through professional development and ongoing training opportunities. This recommendation has already been implemented through the SYVUHSD's targeted approach to school safety training. Each year, the SYVUHSD sends a multi-disciplinary team to the Santa Barbara County Education Office School Safety Symposium, including the Assistant Principals, Superintendent, School Resource Deputy, and rotating classified and certificated staff members whose job responsibilities directly involve emergency preparedne...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with explanation The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's recognition that Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant with the requirement to develop and maintain Comprehensive School Safety Plans. The SYVUHSD cannot speak to the training practices or needs of other school districts. However, with respect to the SYVUHSD the district believes its staff receive comprehensive and ongoing training regarding school safety protocols. Consistent with California Education Code sections 32280 through 32289.5, the District annually reviews and updates its Comprehensive School Sa...
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already Implemented The SYVUHSD exceeds this recommendation with quarterly drills for all full-time campus personnel and students for campus safety. The District conducts campus safety drills involving students and appropriate campus personnel on a quarterly basis, thereby exceeding the recommended minimum frequency of once per semester. These drills are conducted in accordance with the District's Comprehensive School Safety Plan and applicable provisions of California Education Code § 32001, 32001.5, and 32280 through 32289.5. The District will continue to evaluate and refine its emergency pr...
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already Implemented Temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, are provided with written emergency procedures and safety information prior to assuming classroom responsibilities. In addition, emergency procedures are prominently
posted in every classroom, office, and common area throughout the SYVUHSD. These materials are also made available electronically to both permanent and temporary employees as part of the District's onboarding and annual safety communications, as applicable. During emergency events, verbal instructions are communicated through the SYVUHSD's campus-wide public ...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already Implemented The SYVUHSD The District supports the Grand Jury's recommendation and has already implemented this practice. The SYVUHSD prominently posts quick-reference emergency response procedures in every classroom, office, and common area throughout its campuses. These materials provide staff and students with readily accessible instructions for responding to emergency situations and are designed to support immediate action during a crisis. In addition to the posted emergency reference materials, the SYVUHSD makes its emergency procedures available electronically to permanent and tem...
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus. SYVUHSD Response to Funding 3 - Disagree partially with explanation SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's emphasis on fostering a culture in which students, staff, parents, and community members are encouraged to promptly report safety concerns and potential threats.
SYVUHSD cannot speak to the reporting practices of other Santa Barbara County school di...
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already Implemented The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's recommendation and has already implemented this practice. The SYVUHSD provides regular professional development to school personnel through scheduled monthly staff meetings and other training opportunities throughout the school year. These trainings focus on building positive relationships with students, recognizing and responding to student needs, establishing healthy professional boundaries, identifying students who may require additional support, and collaborating effectively with community partners to provide appropriate services. T...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already implemented SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's objective of ensuring that students, staff, and community members have accessible and anonymous methods to report safety concerns. This recommendation has already been implemented through multiple reporting mechanisms available to the SYVUHSD community. SYVUHSD utilizes the STOPit anonymous reporting platform, which is accessible from school-provided devices as well as personal devices, cell phones, or home phones allowing students, staff, parents, and community members to anonymously report safety concerns, bullying, threats, or other issu...
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with explanation The SYVUHSD agrees that School Resource Officers (SROs) and School Resource Deputies (SRDs) can play a valuable role in helping prevent, identify, and respond to potentially dangerous situations on school campuses. However, SYVUHSD cannot confirm or dispute the Grand Jury's characterization regarding the prevalence of School Resource Officers or Deputies employed by other Santa Barbara County school districts, as that information is outside the District's knowledge and control. With respect to SYVUHSD, the district has maintained a dedicated full-time (inclu...
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
More information is necessary The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's objective of promoting safe school environments and recognizes that School Resource Officers (SROs) and School Resource Deputies (SRDs) can provide significant benefits when implemented in a manner that reflects the needs of the local school community. The SYVUHSD currently maintains a dedicated School Resource Deputy and has found this partnership to be highly beneficial for its student body. The School Resource Deputy works collaboratively with SYVUHSD administration, counseling staff, students, and community partners to pro...
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with explanation The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's emphasis on maintaining secure school campuses through effective visitor management and access control procedures. SYVUHSD cannot confirm or dispute the Grand Jury's characterization regarding visitor access controls implemented by other Santa Barbara County school districts, as those practices are outside the District's knowledge and control. With respect to SYVUHSD, the district has maintained comprehensive visitor management and campus access control procedures for many years. For more than five years, SYVUHSD utilize...
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already Implemented The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's recommendation and has already implemented this practice. For more than seven years, SYVUHSD has required visitors seeking access to school campuses during the instructional day to present valid government-issued photo identification, which is verified by authorized school personnel through the District's visitor management system. For more than five years, the District utilized the Raptor Technologies visitor management system, which screened visitors against applicable databases and assisted the District in identifying individuals sub...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already Implemented The SYVUHSD
Finding 6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices. SYVUHSD
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree Partially with Explanation The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's recommendation and has already implemented this practice. As part of its established visitor management procedures, SYVUHSD requires visitors who are authorized to access school campuses during the instructional day to check in through the SYVUHSD's visitor management system and be issued a visitor badge. Visitors are expected to wear the badge in a visible location while on campus so that staff can readily identify authorized visitors and distinguish them from students and employees. This practice has been in place for ...
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Already Implemented The SYVUHSD supports the Grand Jury's recommendation and has already implemented this practice. SYVUHSD conducts regular security assessments of its campuses in collaboration with the District's School Resource Deputy, District administration, and other appropriate personnel. These reviews occur multiple times throughout the school year, exceeding the recommendation for an annual review, and include evaluations of campus security cameras, access control systems, emergency communications, physical security measures, and other technologies that support student and staff safet...
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Solvang Elementary School District
7 pages
• 17 responses
•
Score: -3
(+2, 10, -5)
View Details ▾
17 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with explanation. While Solvang Elementary School District agrees that the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides exceptional regional school safety training, this finding does not accurately characterize the active and consistent participation of our district's leadership. Solvang administrative leaders prioritize attending these sessions and have a strong record of participation. Our Superintendent, site principals, and safety team regularly attend the annual SBCEO School Safety Symposiums and collaborate closely with the SBCEO Safety Liaison to integrate r...
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Solvang Elementary School District already requires its administrative leadership to participate in ongoing school safety and emergency management training. Superintendent Loughridge, site principals, and/or safety coordinators attend the annual SBCEO School Safety Symposium in person each year, exceeding the Grand Jury's recommended frequency.
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
It will not be implemented with explanation of why. The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) does not offer, record, or stream the School Safety Symposium online. This is due to presenter permission requirements (including federal partners), the sensitive nature of the safety topics, and the interactive table-discussion format. We cannot encourage staff to access it because an online seminar option doesn't exist. Additionally, releasing classroom teachers for an off-site, all-day symposium is not operationally feasible due to the ongoing local substitute teacher shortage. To ensure al...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
Agree with explanation. Solvang Elementary School District is fully compliant with California Education Code Sections 32280-32289.6. Our Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) is updated, reviewed, and adopted annually by March 1st (with our most recent plan updated on February 11, 2026, and approved by the Governing Board). We recognize that safety training is an ongoing process of improvement, Solvang ensures that all certificated, classified, and temporary staff receive robust training on the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and sitespecific emergency checklists. We conduct regular safety ...
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Solvang Elementary School District conducts regular, age-appropriate drills that exceed this recommendation. In accordance with California Education Code and our safety plan, our students and staff participate in monthly fire drills, and quarterly earthquake drills (including participation in the annual Great California ShakeOut). Standard Response Protocol (SRP) lockdown, secure, and shelter-in-place drills are conducted each semester with all full-time personnel and students to practice immediate, decisive action.
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will be implemented. Solvang School will enhance its onboarding of substitutes to ensure all temporary and substitute personnel are briefed on safety procedures. Upon checking in at our site front offices, substitute teachers are provided with physical written emergency procedures, site maps, and keys. To ensure these protocols remain highly accessible, every classroom and workroom across both campuses is equipped with physical, printed Emergency Safety Flip Charts in plain view. Site office managers provide direct verbal safety briefings to incoming substitutes before they assume classroom re...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. The District has provided and displayed physical, non-digital safety reference materials in every classroom, office, workroom, and public space across both campuses. Standard visual posters illustrating the five core actions of the Standard Response Protocol (Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter) and their corresponding directives are posted prominently. Classrooms are also equipped with physical Emergency Safety Flip Charts for at-a-glance reference.
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree as to Solvang Elementary School District. This finding does not apply to Solvang Elementary School District. The District has established comprehensive, multi-layered anonymous pathways for threat and safety reporting. Solvang utilizes the STOPit anonymous reporting application, which is electronically pre-installed and pushed to all schoolprovided devices, made accessible via our district website, and promoted through posters placed throughout both campuses. The STOPit app has been successfully utilized by both students and adults. In addition, we maintain physical reporting options,...
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Solvang actively prioritizes student wellness, safety, and positive relationship building. Staff receive professional development in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), restorative justice, and mandatory child abuse reporting laws. The District supports student wellness through our credentialed School Counselor, School Psychologist, and our dedicated school Inclusion Team. These professionals work in close partnership with teachers to provide 1:1 and small group counseling, de-escalation, and academic/social interventions. Additionally, the District mai...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Solvang provides electronic and physical anonymous reporting pathways. The STOPit anonymous reporting application is pre-installed and electronically pushed to all school-provided devices (Chromebooks and iPads) and is linked on our district website. Promotional posters highlighting the app are displayed throughout both campuses to encourage student awareness. In addition, students and families can physically submit anonymous written notes directly to school administrators or office staff.
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Disagree partially with explanation. While on-campus School Resource Officers (SROs) or Deputies (SRDs) can be valuable on large secondary school campuses, employing a full-time officer at a small, low-crime elementary and middle school district (TK-8) like Solvang is financially cost-prohibitive and structurally impractical. Rather than diverting limited
educational funds to purchase dedicated SRO services, Solvang prioritizes its budget on physical security infrastructure and proactive wellness programs led by our credentialed School Counselor and School Psychologist. Furthermore, the Distr...
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD). Response: It will not be implemented with explanation of why. Solvang Elementary School District has evaluated this recommendation and determined that employing a dedicated SRO or SRD is not financially sustainable or operationally necessary. Purchasing full-time law enforcement services is highly expensive and cost-prohibitive for a small elementary school district our size. Diverting limited general funds to on-campus officers would force deep cuts to our direct cla...
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree as to Solvang Elementary School District. This finding does not apply to Solvang Elementary School District. Solvang enforces strict, modern visitor access controls on both campuses. Under Project Safe, the District relocated site offices and fully enclosed our perimeters with fencing. During school hours, visitors cannot enter the interior of either campus without utilizing an automatic door and gate locking entry system integrated with a secure buzzer, intercom, and camera front door system. All visitors must report directly to the main office immediately upon arrival, present proof...
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. Solvang requires all visitors and volunteers to report directly to the school office immediately upon entering campus. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo identification to office personnel. Because we are a small school community, our office staff personally know almost every parent, guardian, and regular visitor who enters our campuses. This allows personnel to highly effectively verify identity and manually crossreference visitors against legal restrictions, restraining orders, and safety folders kept on file in our site offices. Given our district's ...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has been implemented. All visitors and volunteers registered in our front offices are issued a visible identifying visitor pass or badge. Visitors are strictly required to wear this pass in a visible location at all times while on school grounds. This
protocol is firmly enforced; district staff and administrators are fully authorized to stop and redirect any unbadged adult to the front office immediately.
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Disagree as to Solvang Elementary School District. This finding does not apply to Solvang Elementary School District. With the active support of our Board, the District completed comprehensive safety upgrades under Project Safe. Both of our campuses are completely enclosed with perimeter fencing. All classroom doors lock securely from the inside. Restricted entry is managed via our front door buzzer/intercom and camera systems. Site safety is monitored by security cameras throughout school grounds, and instantaneous communication is maintained using campus intercoms and battery-operated two-wa...
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. Response: Has been implemented. Solvang conducts regular, ongoing, and annual campus safety and physical security reviews. These reviews are led by the Superintendent, site principals, and the maintenance lead. Active consultation with the S...
▶
Vista del Mar Union School District
August 20, 2026
•
7 pages
• 18 responses
•
Score: +2
(+6, 8, -4)
View Details ▾
18 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) provides County school districts training in identifying pathways to targeted violence, although attendance by employees of the various Santa Barbara County school districts in the SBCEO’s School Safety Symposium is limited.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree Explanation: Vista del Mar agrees that SBCEO provides valuable school safety training, including training related to identifying pathways to targeted violence. The District does not have information indicating that its own participation in school safety training has been limited. The Superintendent/Principal is new to the District and has participated in school safety trainings in previous districts. Going forward, the District will prioritize participation in SBCEO school safety trainings, including the School Safety Symposium. Recommendation 1a : The Grand Jury recommends ...
R1a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County Education Office make its School Safety Symposium available online for ease of accessibility for school staffs county-wide.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will Not Be Implemented Explanation: This recommendation is directed to the Santa Barbara County Education Office and calls for action by SBCEO rather than Vista del Mar Union School District. Accordingly, implementation of this recommendation is outside the District's authority and will not be undertaken by Vista del Mar. Recommendation 1b : The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
R1b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts require administrative leaders to attend the School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented Explanation: The Superintendent/Principal has participated in school safety trainings in previous districts and will participate in the SBCEO School Safety Symposium in person at least once every two years, as recommended, as well as other appropriate school safety training opportunities. Recommendation 1c: The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in-person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
R1c
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts encourage teachers and staff to attend the School Safety Symposium in- person, and if not in-person, access the online seminar annually.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented
Explanation: The District recognizes the importance of providing teachers and staff opportunities to strengthen their knowledge of school safety practices. Vista del Mar will encourage teachers and staff to participate in the School Safety Symposium and other appropriate school safety training opportunities, while taking into consideration employee work schedules and the availability of substitute personnel. Finding 2: Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information...
F2
Santa Barbara County school districts are compliant in creating Comprehensive School Safety Plans for their schools, but some staff require more information and training on safety protocols.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree Explanation: Vista del Mar follows the Standard Response Protocol and recognizes that effective emergency preparedness requires regular practice and reinforcement. The District will conduct emergency drills throughout the school year to ensure that students and staff are familiar with appropriate responses to a variety of emergency situations. Recommendation 2a: The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all full-time campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
R2a
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts train and drill all fulltime campus personnel and students for campus safety at least once per semester.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented Explanation: Vista del Mar will conduct emergency preparedness drills throughout the school year involving all students and staff. The District will conduct two lockdown drills annually, earthquake drills quarterly, evacuation drills monthly, and other emergency response drills at least once annually. These drills will reinforce the Standard Response Protocol and provide students and staff regular opportunities to practice appropriate emergency responses. Recommendation 2b: The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instr...
R2b
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide written and verbal instruction to all temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, prior to their entering a new classroom location.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented Explanation: Emergency binders are maintained in each classroom and provide temporary personnel, including substitute teachers, access to emergency procedures and information. The District will ensure that temporary personnel are made aware of these resources and receive appropriate verbal information regarding school emergency procedures before assuming their assignments. Recommendation 2c: The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick-reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying
simple instructions for emergency re...
R2c
The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County school districts provide quick reference situational cards and/or information posters conveying simple instructions for emergency response procedures in every classroom and in public rooms.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented Explanation: Vista del Mar has emergency response posters displayed on campus and emergency binders available in each classroom. These resources provide readily accessible information regarding emergency response procedures for staff and students. Finding 3: While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
F3
While many Santa Barbara County school districts have a watch, listen, and report culture for enhancement of threat detection in their schools, not all schools have anonymous pathways for reporting threats or potential threats online or on campus.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree Explanation: Vista del Mar agrees that accessible pathways for reporting potential threats or safety concerns are an important component of school safety. However, the District does not believe that the absence of a formal anonymous reporting system indicates a deficiency in its current threat-reporting practices. As a small, single-school district serving 71 students, Vista del Mar maintains close relationships among students, staff, administration, and families, which support direct communication and allow safety concerns to be identified and addressed promptly. Students h...
R3a
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts train school personnel on how to gain trust, understand healthy boundaries, and engage in strategic partnerships with community service groups to support student needs.
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented Explanation: During the 2026-27 school year, Vista del Mar staff will receive professional development in the Nurtured Heart Approach, restorative practices, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies. These efforts will strengthen staff capacity to build trusting relationships with students, maintain healthy boundaries, promote a positive school culture, and support students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs. As needs arise, the District will also consider appropriate partnerships with community service providers when those partnerships wou...
R3b
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts provide an anonymous reporting mechanism on school-provided devices, in addition to a drop box available on campus.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will Not Be Implemented Explanation: Vista del Mar does not plan to establish a formal anonymous electronic reporting system or physical reporting drop box at this time. With 71 students in a small, single-school setting, students have regular access to the administrator, teachers, and other trusted adults and are encouraged to communicate safety concerns directly. The District's size allows staff to know students individually, maintain close communication with families, and respond promptly when concerns arise. Based on the District's current circumstances and student needs, Vista del Mar doe...
F4
School Resource Officers or Deputies are valuable in preventing or addressing potentially dangerous situations on campus, but many schools do not employ them.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree Explanation: Vista del Mar agrees that strong partnerships with law enforcement are an important component of school safety but does not believe that a dedicated School Resource Officer or School Resource Deputy is necessary for every school. As a small, single-school district, Vista del Mar prioritizes collaboration with local law enforcement appropriate to its size and circumstances. On August 5, 2026, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office SWAT team conducted a multi-scenario training on the Vista de las Cruces campus, providing law enforcement personnel an opportunity...
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have School Resource Officers (SRO) or Deputies (SRD).
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will Not Be Implemented Explanation: Vista del Mar is a small, single-school district, and maintaining a full-time School Resource Officer or School Resource Deputy is neither operationally necessary nor a practical allocation of limited District resources. The District will instead continue to prioritize a strong working relationship with local law enforcement, including opportunities for emergency preparedness and
scenario-based training on the school campus. Most recently, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office SWAT team conducted a multi-scenario training at Vista de las Cruces School ...
F5
Some schools in Santa Barbara County school districts lack adequate controls for visitor access.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree Explanation: Vista del Mar has established procedures to identify and monitor visitors while they are on campus. All visitors are required to check in through the school office and are issued a visitor sticker that must be worn visibly while on campus. Vista de las Cruces is an open campus, and the District recognizes the importance of continually reviewing its visitor access procedures to ensure they remain appropriate for the school's size, setting, and safety needs. Recommendation 5a: The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor acc...
R5a
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts improve visitor access control during school hours by requiring valid government-issued photo identification verified by school personnel, utilizing a system that checks for restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
Will Not Be Implemented Explanation: Vista del Mar does not currently utilize an electronic visitor management system that screens visitors for restraining orders or other legal restrictions. As a small, single-school district, the District does not believe that procuring and maintaining such a system is a practical allocation of its limited resources. The District will instead continue to require all visitors to check in through the school office and follow established campus visitor procedures. Recommendation 5b: The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require al...
R5b
The Grand Jury recommends that Santa Barbara County school districts require all schools to issue visitors a badge and require its visibility on the visitor while on campus during school hours.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Has Been Implemented Explanation: Vista del Mar requires all visitors to check in through the school office. After checking in, visitors are issued a visitor sticker that must be worn visibly while they are on campus. Finding 6: Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
F6
Not all schools in Santa Barbara County have adequate safety infrastructure, including fences, cameras, classrooms that lock from the inside, restricted access points, and instantaneous communication devices.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Partially Disagree Explanation: Vista del Mar has safety infrastructure in place appropriate to its small, single-school setting, including security cameras on campus. Staff
members also have access to their cell phones for immediate communication. The District recognizes that school safety infrastructure must be reviewed and improved as needs and available technologies evolve and is currently exploring the purchase of two-way radios to strengthen communication among staff during emergencies. Recommendation 6: The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each ...
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that all Santa Barbara County school districts have each school conduct an annual security review with respect to video security cameras at key points across school grounds, two-way communications on campus, and innovations, such as artificial intelligence-aided technologies or drones, and make improvements based on those reviews. REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES Commented [ME1]: Change: REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPONSES To: REQUEST FOR RESPONSE Pursuant to California Penal Code §93...
Response: Will Implement
Score: +1
Will Be Implemented Explanation: Vista del Mar currently utilizes security cameras on campus, and staff have access to their cell phones for immediate communication. The District is also evaluating the purchase of two-way radios to strengthen communication among staff during emergencies. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the District will conduct an annual review of its security infrastructure and consider reasonable improvements based on identified needs, effectiveness, and the resources available to a small, single-school district. Respectfully submitted, Dr. Ray Fausel, Superintendent/P...
No Responses Found 7
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In the Press 1
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