The purpose of conducting a School Safety Audit is to evaluate the security and safety level of schools in accordance with Senate Bill 11, Section 37.108. Other requirements under Senate Bill 11, Section 37.108 include presenting the results of the School Safety Audit to the school district’s board of trustees and the Texas School Safety Center, adoption and implementation of a multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan for use in schools and school districts, as well as conducting a security audit at least once every three years.

A School Safety Audit can be used to prepare administration, staff, and students with a plan of action in the event of a crisis. The audit can also evaluate efficient communication and alternate communication that should be available between administration, staff, and emergency management authorities. Furthermore, the audit assists school administrators in planning how to resume normal school operations upon the conclusion of a crisis situation.

The School Safety Audit Cooperative allows for districts to systemically incorporate a three year safety audit plan that allows for both cost and audits to be equally distributed over a three year period.

ESC-20 will provide the following audit of each school campus:

• Provide a full day on-site review of each school campus;
• Serve as a resource for school districts, targeting infractions, areas of improvement and establishing efforts of mitigation/preparedness for the further development of a safe environment;
• Provide a passive on-line school climate survey (3rd grade and up) for students and staff;
• Provide a School Intruder Assessment of each campus on audit date;
• Provide a follow-up report to be conducted at ESC-20 no later than 2 weeks from audit date, conducted by auditor and school administrator;
• Provide comprehensive audit report, incorporated power point presentation and on-line survey results both hard copy and electronic;
• Ensure all safety standards and guidelines are evaluated in meeting compliance with current Texas Senate Bill 11;
• Report results of campus safety audit to the Texas School Safety Center (outsourcing agency for security and safety from TEA) as required in Sec. 37.108 (c) of Texas Senate Bill 11, effective September 1, 2007.

The District/School/Agency will:

• Provide an annual schedule of campuses to be audited;
• Provide access to School Administrator on audit day for question and answer session;
• Allow auditors to review campus grounds (interior and exterior) and permit question and answer opportunities with teachers and staff, subject to schedule availability;
• Provide two copies of the district or campus map;
• Provide two copies of the campus bell schedule;
• Provide two copies of the campus conference schedule of teachers;
• Allow the review of district and/or campus Emergency Operations Plan during the audit date;
• Allow the review of the campus Student Code of Conduct during the audit date;
• Complete student and staff on-line climate survey no later than two weeks from audit date;
• Complete evaluation of ESC-20 audit process;
• Assign a district person to serve as a liaison with ESC-20.