Jefferson County Schools embrace SaferWatch program: Swift action for student safety
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Jefferson County Schools have been adapting to new safety measures throughout the year, but one that is proving to be successful in all schools is the new SaferWatch program.
Steubenville High School Assistant Principal Deanna Beall says all teachers and staff at their schools have been trained, with each wearing a lanyard equipped with a safety button.
“If there is an emergency, they’re able to press the lanyard and it approves effectively with the police department,” Beall said.
And it’s proving to be prompt through the trainings.
“When we do tests runs with it, police are here within seconds,” Beall said. “It’s the most amazing thing for the students and the safety of everybody in Steubenville City Schools.”
But other schools like Indian Creek are watching the program take shape, with not just those safety lanyards but cameras that connect to the 911 center.
Assistant Superintendent John Belt says it’s an involved process that is developing as the days go on but is getting there.
“They’re going to the schools systematically bringing them online. We’re not there yet. We’re on the list,” Belt said.
Belt says it’s promising to see the forward thinking of safety come to the surface, especially with this being a unique program to Ohio.
“To my knowledge, we’re the only one on the state that has taken this level of precaution to protect our staff in students,” Belt said.
Educational Service Center Superintendent Chuck Kokiko says considering recent incidents in schools across the country — as well as medical incidents — it was important that a cohesive system was implemented.
It’s all about collaboration with other districts, the 911 center and other law enforcement.
“Our schools are competitive, and they should be, but when it comes to the safety of our students, we come together as a team and wonder how can we make it better for everybody involved,” Belt said.
Educators say safety is always top of mind and it’s something they continue to elaborate on in the future.
