October, 2026
I’ve been thinking about the moments when a school’s front office becomes more than a place to welcome parents and the community. What happens when someone unexpectedly gets past the front counter?
Plan A may address the angry person at the front counter refusing to leave. But what is Plan B when that person jumps the counter and now enters the school campus? What is Plan C if the situation continues to escalate?
How quickly can office staff recognize the threat, alert others, and take action? Take the time to talk through different scenarios with all staff in the front office and empower them to act.
A secured school perimeter is only effective when operational practices maintain its integrity. This case highlights how opening an unattended gate before dismissal can create serious school safety, security, and standard-of-care concerns.
