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Findings 7 findings
F1
Each school district has implemented school hardening measures to some degree in addition to those discussed in the 2019-20 report. The measures in place at school sites vary and can be improved. While some schools in each district have their sites enclosed or have security cameras, others do not. Fences may not be high enough to prevent students or intruders from jumping over them. In addition, gates at schools are sometimes not closed, locked or are in disrepair.
F2
Each school district conducts California Healthy Kids Surveys, while some use additional methods for assessing student mental health. The response rate of students completing such surveys, however, may not be enough to generate reliable conclusions about student mental health.
F3
California Education Code mandates that all school districts require visitors to go to a school’s office upon arrival and wear identification while on site. At some Yolo County schools, however, the location of the school’s office is not clear. Better signage is needed to direct visitors to the office. This is particularly important for schools, such as in the Davis, Winters and Woodland school districts, where sharing open space or parking lots can make clear signage and prevention of intruders from entering school grounds more challenging.
F4
Each school district appropriately uses a web-based third-party provider for safety training modules. Annual training related to violent threats, such as active shooter, is not required at this time by the Davis, Esparto, Washington, and Woodland school districts, although Esparto and Woodland plan to add such trainings at the start of the 2023-24 school year. Ensuring staff are trained in how to respond appropriately to threats of violence would lessen the chances of another tragedy similar to that in Uvalde, Texas.
F5
The Esparto and Woodland school districts have assessed the effectiveness of their school safety training through surveys, as recommended by the 2019-20 Yolo County Grand Jury, while Davis, Washington and Winters districts have not. Assessing effectiveness based on quantifiable data can provide more accurate guidance for decisions about training.
F6
Each school district has contracted with a web-based third-party provider to notify parents of emergencies. The providers report on how many parents or guardians were reached per technology (e.g., email, text, app, or voice/phone). All school districts’ providers, except Washington, reach 90% or more of their students’ parents or guardians. Ensuring that virtually all parents or guardians can be reached when needed is desirable.
F7
Some high school students in the Davis, Esparto, Winters and Woodland school districts are allowed to go off campus during lunch break. Should an emergency arise on campus, it is not possible for the schools to know how safe those 13 students are, and the students may not receive timely emergency notifications if their school is on lockdown or evacuated. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations 7
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R1The Grand Jury recommends that, prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, each school district identify additional hardening approaches and develop a plan to further protect areas of its schools that remain vulnerable.
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R2Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, each school district should develop a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound) plan to encourage all students to complete the California Healthy Kids Survey and similar surveys to produce meaningful data. Each school district should act on survey findings, especially those related to potentially violent actions.
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R3Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, each school district should evaluate and improve signage for all of its schools, so that visitors can easily find the school’s office to register upon their arrival.
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R4Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, each school district should require and document that training related to threats of violence is completed by its teachers (regular and substitute), staff and administrators every year.
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R5Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year and each subsequent school year, Davis, Washington and Winters school districts should identify and document a statistically reliable method or tool for measuring the effectiveness of school safety training, including an annual survey of teachers, staff and administrators.
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R6Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year and each subsequent school year, each district should achieve and maintain an emergency notification contact rate of at least 95% with parents or guardians, as verified by their third-party emergency notification providers.
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R7Prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, Davis, Esparto, Winters, and Woodland school districts should develop, implement and maintain a plan for contacting at least 95% of students who may be off-site if an emergency occurs during regular school hours. REQUIRED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses to its Findings and Recommendations as follows: 14 From the following governing bodies: ■ Board of Education/Trustees, Davis Joint Unified School District – F-1, F-2, F-3, F- 4, F-5, F-6, F-7, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 ■ Board of Education/Trustees, Esparto Unified School District – F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4,
Commendations 1
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CM1The Grand Jury commends each school district in Yolo County for continuing to improve school safety. This progress includes having Comprehensive School Safety Plans (CSSPs) that adequately address safety issues as they relate to direct threats, including active shooter and bombs, per California Education Code requirements. Each school district is actively coordinating safety measures and emergency communications with local law enforcement and first responders. To ensure that emergency communications are as effective as possible, each school district also has procedures and staff in place to encourage parents and guardians to provide and maintain their contact information so they can be notified as quickly as possible when an emergency occurs. Although the districts have limited resources, they are striving to provide a range of mental health services and other support when needed by students and their families.