Massachusetts is Rated as Critical State of Concern for School Violence

In the 2015-2016 school year, Massachusetts had the dubious distinction of having the most bomb threats in schools in the entire United States. In the 2016-2017 school year, Massachusetts dropped to 10th place in bomb threats. That’s better right? Yes, but in the last school year, 55% of all threats and incidents of violence in schools occurred in just 10 states – and one of them is Massachusetts.

The Educator’s School Safety Network (ESSN), a national non-profit, has compiled research into violent threats and incidents that demonstrates an average of 12 threats per school day nationally. Massachusetts averaged almost two threats per week. Even more concerning, an incident of violence occurs virtually every day in U.S. schools. Massachusetts ranked #4 in the nation with more than 13 incidents of violence actually occurring in schools.

ESSN’s States of Concern report identifies the top 10 states with the most incidents and threats of violence both in actual numbers and per million residents. Some states, like Massachusetts, experience threats and incidents of violent at a significantly higher rate than the rest of the nation, making them critical states of concern.

As Founder of ESSN with 28 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, I believe it is critical to stop
speculating, relying on ‘expert impressions’ or utilizing outdated information and anecdotes to assess the type, frequency, and severity of violent incidents and threats in our schools. ESSN has compiled the most current information on what is happening in U.S. schools in regards to school threats and violence – and it is alarming.

So what can be done about these escalating threats? Are we going to just sit by and wait for a catastrophic bombing or shooting event before we take school safety seriously? Fortunately the solutions are not that difficult.

First, let’s start looking at the teachers, administrators and staff in schools as the first responders they truly are. When a violent intruder enters the building, a medical emergency occurs, or severe weather threatens, it is the school staff, not police officers, fireman, or EMTs, who are the first line of defense to protect our children.

Secondly, give school first responders the training they need. Currently educators find themselves in the difficult position of having to make critical decisions about threats or incidents involving weapons or bombs without the necessary training. Schools are often working with outdated protocols, few established best practices, and most importantly, with almost a complete lack of education-based training. While law enforcement typically receives a wide array of training specifically tailored to the many hazards they must face, most educators are expected to prevent and respond to a myriad of potential threats without the benefit of training that is by educators and for educators, addressing the unique needs and concerns of schools.

Finally, let’s stop buying stuff and instead, invest in people. Schools are a people business. School districts need to stop looking for a “quick fix” - buying safety gadgets, trendy apps, and expensive bulletproof glass - and train their people. For the cost of door locking mechanisms or metal detectors, every school staff member could be trained to respond to all the potential hazards a school faces, not just the threat of an active shooter.

According to our research, Massachusetts is a state of critical concern. As a resident of the state, you should be concerned as well.

It’s time for all school stakeholders, educators, board members, parents, and community members, to start asking hard questions, making difficult decisions, and most importantly - demanding action. The work of school safety requires consistent, focused attention and the strategic allocation of resources. It requires the implementation of important programs such as threat assessment management, parent reunification, visitor screening, and improving climate and culture (to name a few).

Keeping students safe is not a fad or something schools do “when we get a chance”. It is literally the most important work of schools. We must demand it and make it happen.

The States of Concern report, other free resources, and information about ESSN’s trainings and services can be found at www.eSchoolSafety.org. Check out our free podcast, The School Safety Free Period, as well as our Facebook page for school safety updates.

Please contact Dr. Amy Klinger, Director of Programs, at amy@eschoolsafety.org, for more information or if we can be of assistance.