Arp Independent School District Crisis Management Plan

Approved 1999, Arp School Board of Trustees

Introduction To The District Crisis Plan

Seldom is an organization prepared for sudden, potentially destructive events. Schools have always been vulnerable to disaster because large numbers of people are collected in relatively small spaces. As a result natural disasters, accidents, and intentional intrusions that involve schools can have devastating effects on student, staff, parents, and the community as a whole. Schools can be the objects of vicious attacks by armed persons or caught up with the spillover effects of turbulent community unrest.

The vulnerability of schools may be found in their essential openness. That openness is a condition of life in a democratic and open public school system that reflects the society in which it serve~. It is necessary, however, to have contingency plans available to enact quick, effective responses to minimize the disastrous effects that certain types of calamities can bring.


Training

It is important that all school and district staff know their responsibilities during a school emergency. It is, therefore, necessary to provide training to all staff members.

Principals will provide training to all school staff, including all instructional, custodial, and food service employees. The training should be based on the school emergency/safety plans. The best time for training is at the beginning of each school year. Each campus plan should be designed to meet the needs of that individual campus as to procedures. These procedures ought to provide for an annual review and approval of the plan by the Campus Site-Based Decision Making Committee.

District training will include an annual review of the district plan and an annual training session to include the principals and all district office staff. That training should occur during the summer or during inservice days prior to the beginning of school each year.

Accidents

Managing a Crisis on Campus (far campus employees)
A crisis in which schools would be mobilized is defined as 

I) traumatic death of a student, teacher, or other person known by number of students,

2)a suicide attempt or serious threat of suicide,

3)a school bus accident or a bomb explosion,

4)an accident involving violent student behavior,

5)fire of a school building,

6)natural disaster,

7)train derailment and possible hazardous cargo.

Each situation that occurs is unique; therefore, the judgment of those involved will determine the most appropriate steps. However, the following steps should be considered:

I. The information is to be verified with the police or other responsible parties before it is communicated further. The principal or designee will contact the parents of the victim to obtain factual information and offer support from the school~ staff.

II. Notification Procedures For District Emergencies A. Superintendent is to be notified first so that contacts
with~the media can be anticipated and prepared. B. Supertendant is to notify the Principal and assists the
school in the initial stages of the plan.
C.The Principal is to notify counselors and staff that may be prepared to assist those who call concerning the incident and so that they may be able to assist in whatever way they are needed.
D.Following a suicide or other traumatic death, students, and adults most closely associated with the deceased are notified by school counselors or other sensitive staff members. Adults to contact include, for example, parents of student's friends, parents of team members, and teachers.

III. Notification Procedures for Campus Emergencies.
A. Notify the campus principal or the principal's designee. B. Campus principal or designee will··call or designate.

a person to call 911 (if applicable).

C. Notify the district counselor and/or district health coordinator.
D. Notify superintendent
E. Notify faculty.
F. Notify other district personnel.

IV. Mobilizing the School Staff
A. Central Administration staff will meet with the campus administrative staff to implement the specifics of the school plan, how others will be informed, any changes in the daily school routine, and availability of support personnel.
B. Community support persons are notified to assist when needed.

V. Follow-up
A. Understand you are dealing with overwhelming emotional response to a situation (i.e. suicide or death of student).
1. For many students/faculty this could precipitate a personal crisis
or be a trigger about previous experiences.
2. For everyone, immediate response and support is essential.
3. For many students this may be their first death experience.

B. Provide information about community support to parents and inform
them of specific agencies to which they can turn for help.

C. To the extent possible, a regular school routine is to be followed

D. Care must be taken not to glamorize a suicide.

E. All media communication will be channeled through the district
administrative office (not individuals).

1. Be factual about communications.
2. Work with the media concerning the appropriateness of certain
stories.
3. Emphasize positive steps taken.
4. Discourage a write-up disclosing the details of the death.

__________Direct Contact

------------Indirect Contact

Crisis Management Team Member Roles

Superintendent
1. Coordinates with campus administrator to implement crisis
plan.
2. Appraises the situation by a direct visit to campus.

3. Serves as or delegates position as Director of Communications

a) Coordinates information from the people directly involved.

b) Spokesperson for the district

c) Contacts board members

4. Coordinates services needed for vehicle accidents. 5. Appraises situations concerning building or vehicle accidents by a direct visit to scene.

Campus Administrators

1. Determines if the situation warrants implementation of
the crisis plan.
2. Initiates contact of key personnel.
3. Serves as the campus crisis coordinator and building
spokesperson.
4. Assign designee to man the phone lines.

Counselors

1. Coordinates with campus administrator and health
coordinator.
2. Assists in bringing in additional mental health personnel
as needed.
3. Consults with crisis team as appropriate.
4. Extends service to the crisis team as appropriate.
5. Monitors mental health needs of personnel and students. 6, Enacts intervention procedures.
7. Triage at-risk students.
8. Contacts key community support personnel.
9. Maintains record of student contacts.

School Nurse

1. Give emergency medical instructions.
2. Assists in medical triage.
3. Coordinates with outside medical services.
4. Identifies students medically at-risk.
5. Coordinates with campus administrators and counselor. 6. Communicates information with health care provider regarding patient status.

Director of Curriculum

1. Formulates and updates Crisis Management Plan.

2. Assist campus administrators with staff training.

Director of Technology

1. Determines if network or technology is involved in crisis or endangering safety of district personnel or students.

2. Assist campus administrators with staff training for proper use, care, and maintenance of district technologies.

Teachers and Support Staff

1. Follow directives of Crisis Management Team.
2. Listen and hear student's concerns. Don't be judgmental or moralizing. 3. Keep school day as near to normal as possible.

Students

1. Follow directives of campus administrators and teachers. 2. Initiate identification of at-risk students for counselor.

Parents

1. Listen to local media for instructions and updates on information.
2. Don't tie up phone lines.
3. Accept school and community support services when needed.

Community Support

1. Follow directives of Crisis Management Team.
2. Ensure safety and security of building.
3. Coordinate community services as they arrive on campus

. 4. Maintain record of all contacts/arrivals.

Accidents to and from School

DEFINITION:  Transportation accidents involving students or employees in private vehicles to and from school to their homes or school activities.

ACTION:  The following procedures are recommended for private vehicle accidents occurring to and from school.


1. Call 911: give name, location, and reason for calling.

2. Request police assistance or medical if necessary.

3. Notify the school administration about the accident who will in turn notify appropriate personnel

4. Notify parents, spouse, closest relative.

5. Send a designated employee to evaluate the situation and report back to the campus administrator.

6. Begin campus counseling procedures immediately, if appropriate.