SAFETY OVERVIEW

Keeping students and staff safe is one of the highest priorities of Derby Public Schools. We conduct ongoing updates and training for staff and students to ensure the most recent, relevant procedures are in place. A secured access vestibule provides each school’s office staff control over who enters the building. When visiting each school, you will have to press a button stating your reason for your visit prior to being granted permission to enter. 

In August 2018, Derby Public Schools adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This is a simplified crisis response that helps staff, students, parents and first responders to quickly and adequately respond to crisis situations. The SRP is based on five actions: Lockout, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter and Hold. Derby Public Schools also has designated Building Crisis Teams in each school. These proactive teams meet regularly to discuss safety and security related topics. Additional safety and security measures are also discussed at building Site Council meetings. In addition to our Building Crisis Teams, our District Crisis Team comprises of school and department representatives. Community partners also have a presence on the District Crisis Team, which include the Derby Police Department, Derby Fire Department and Sedgwick County Emergency Management. This team actively works together to advise and help develop training and resources for the district.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to the community for believing in the need to increase safety and security within Derby Public Schools by supporting the bond on February 20, 2018. Through this bond all schools will have FEMA-rated shelters, intruder locks, enhanced security cameras and better ADA accessibility. Derby Public Schools also has committed to having a staff member dedicated to supporting the district with the latest in security measures and practices. 

Safety and Security Officer Matt Liston is a twenty-seven year veteran of the Derby Police Department. Liston was the first School Resource Officer (SRO) with Derby Public Schools in 1997 and supervised the unit from 2004 until his retirement in 2019. Liston is an instructor with National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), a role he has held since 1998, and has served on their Board of Directors. Many of you will remember him as your DARE Officer or SRO, as he served many years in these roles. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Safety and Security Officer, Matt Liston at (316) 788-8425 or at [email protected].