The Regional Safety Center at NEWESD 101 recognizes that for students to succeed academically, they need to have safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where their needs are met. Our communities, families, staff, and students face ongoing and new challenges that impact student success.

The purpose of this conference is to unite professionals in the field of education, public health, law enforcement, and behavioral health to expand the awareness and implementation of best practices and recommendations in threat assessment, school safety, trauma-informed services, and mental/behavioral health resources. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and enhanced professional knowledge in the pursuit of safer, healthier schools and communities.

Additional Conference Information:
*Registration fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch for this day (August 18)

Hotel Information:
Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center
1100 N. Sullivan Rd
Spokane Valley, WA 99037
(509) 924-9000
*Discounted lodging available on a first come-first served basis. Use "SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT" when booking hotel room.

pdEnroller Account:
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Cancellations:
No refunds will be given after Wednesday, August 10.

*SAFETY STAFF TRAINING:

In 2021, HB 1214 directed the ESDs to develop and administer an annual training “program” for school safety and security staff that meets the requirements outlined in RCW 28A.310.515.  The collaborative work of the state’s School Safety and Student Well-Being Advisory Committee has resulted in 13 educational modules intended to support the professional development of School Safety Staff, to include Law Enforcement Partners, Classified School Safety Staff dedicated to a safety and security role, and contracted private security firms.  All 13 modules will be presented to ensure completion. Some of the modules will be covered during the first two days of the conference, the remainder will be covered during the post-conference day. These sessions are open to all participants. 

Module 1: Constitutional and Civil Rights of Students (Post-Conference) Andi Dugan, Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office  

Session will cover guidelines for conducting searches and student right to privacy, the distinction between reasonable suspicion and probable cause, and scope of responsibilities for commissioned officers and school safety staff.  Presenter will also address additional rights of students applicable to school jurisdiction. 

Module 2: Child/Adolescent Development (Post-Conference) TBD

Session will focus on understanding key factors of adolescent development, the importance of adolescent development in relationship to school safety, and the critical aspect of building relationships with students. 

Module 3: Trauma-Informed Approach (Conference) Lori Eastep, Grassroots Therapy Group 

Session will explore the importance of a bias free and trauma informed approach to school safety and security, to include discussion centered on cultural differences, language barriers, building mutual respect, equity and dignity. 

Module 4: Recognizing & Responding to Youth Mental Health Issues (Conference) Kalen Via/Brittany Campbell, NEWESD 101 

Presenters will educate participants on how to recognize, and best practices for responding, to youth in crisis.  Specifically, the goal of “Ending the Silence” is to remove the stigma around mental health and encourage all students to seek the supports necessary to support their well-being.  

Module 5 & 6: Students with Disabilities (5), Restraint and Isolation (6) (Post-Conference) Connie Kliewer, NEWESD 101

The Presenter will share important legal information on restraint and isolation of students, to include exceptions, and definitions.  Barriers to equity will be addressed, as well as the critical importance for school staff to understand the well-being of the whole child as a primary focus.  

Module 7 & 8: Consequences and Alternatives of Arrest, Prosecution, Court Involvement (Conference) David Okada, President of Threat Assessment Professionals

Presenter will share the lasting impact of arrest on students and provide ideas for alternatives to arrest and prosecution to include social intervention options, ideas for community mobilization, possible organizational adjustments and provision of opportunities.

Module 9: Disparities in Use of Force & Arrest of Children (Post-Conference) Andi Dugan, Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office 

Presenter will define disparity in order to assist school staff in creating opportunities to maximize equity.  Improvements in equity can be achieved through the development of supportive relationships, improving bias awareness, by raising academic expectations, and promoting problem solving rather than use of force and arrest. 

Module 10: De-Escalation (Post Conference) Cameron Fordmeir, Awareness Consulting & Training

The session will provide tools for safely reducing the level of intensity of a crisis with a priority on safety and diffusion, utilizing creative problem solving, active listening and the power of credibility and positive relationships with students to resolve incidents more effectively and efficiently.  

Module 11: Bias-Free Policing & Cultural Competency (Conference) Randy Moore, Spokane Public Schools

Presenter will discuss the importance of removing/reducing bias from school safety practices, techniques for overcoming bias and placing emphasis on improving understanding, focusing on behavior, working with families and making connections to promote inclusivity. 

Module 12: Federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) (Conference) Pauline Cline, Clear Risk Solutions 

Participants will gain understanding of what constitutes FERPA protected information and how to navigate the intricacies around FERPA, school safety definitions and exceptions, and private student information.  

Module 13: Restorative Practice (Conference) Julie Schaeffer, Spokane Public Schools

Session presenter will introduce restorative justice practices and principles to session participants, creating a foundation of prevention that will assist school staff in the work of repairing harm and restoring relationships, mediation, and positive relationship building among students and staff.