SCHOOL SAFETY ADVOCACY COUNCIL

10/22/2026

Sunset at Zota Beach Resort Longboat Key, FL - Site f the upcoming National Conference on Active School Threats- Dec 8-10 www.schoolsafety911.org

10/21/2026

One of the most concerning findings from investigations into numerous school shootings is how perpetrators have gained access to school buildings by shooting through glass entrances, sidelights, or windows adjacent to secured doors.

In the thousands of school safety assessments our teams at the School Safety Advocacy Council have conducted across the country, the vulnerability of non-fortified glass entrances has consistently been identified as a significant security concern.

Unfortunately, we continue to see a troubling trend in modern school construction. Many school districts are relying on architects who encourage the extensive use of glass in both exterior entrances and interior spaces. Their justification often centers on allowing more natural light into classrooms, creating a more inviting learning environment, and potentially improving student creativity, academic performance, and test scores.

While these are certainly worthwhile educational objectives, what is too often overlooked is the potential security vulnerability created when extensive glass is incorporated into school designs without adequate protective measures.

Over the past decade, our assessment teams have witnessed a growing number of newly constructed schools featuring expansive glass entrances, walls, and interior spaces. These design decisions can create significant challenges when attempting to maximize the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff.

In many cases, our teams recommend the strategic use of tested security glazing systems or security window film as part of a comprehensive approach to strengthening vulnerable areas. However, window film alone does not make glass bulletproof or prevent every form of forced entry. Proper installation, anchoring, and the overall glazing system are critical considerations. Retrofitting these vulnerabilities after construction can also become extremely costly for school districts.

The larger question is why we continue designing and constructing schools with preventable security vulnerabilities, only to spend significant taxpayer dollars attempting to correct those weaknesses years later.

I am certainly not suggesting that schools should resemble correctional facilities or that natural light and inviting learning environments are unimportant. Quite the opposite. I believe architects, educators, and school safety professionals must work collaboratively from the earliest stages of school design to achieve both objectives.

School safety should never be an afterthought in architectural design. It must be a fundamental part of the design process from day one.

We can build beautiful, welcoming, innovative schools without sacrificing the safety of the children and educators who occupy them every day. Florida Police Chiefs Association, (FPCA) - Florida Sheriffs Association - FASRO Florida Association of School Resource Officers - Virgin Islands Department of Education

10/20/2026

Active Threats Conference comes to Sarasota, Florida this Dec 8-10. Seats Filling Quickly. Only 5 Exhibit Booths remain. www.SchoolSafety911.org

10/16/2026

FYI -

10/16/2026

School Shooting - Bend Oregon

https://apnews.com/article/oregon-school-shooting-silver-rail-elementary-b0642ec5cd3da0db24227a2798e2c6ce

10/07/2026

Invite to Join us this December 8-10, 2026 for the National Conference on Active School Threats - Longboat Key, FL! Amazing Lineup of Speakers - Registration at www.Schoolsafety911.org

10/07/2026

FYI -

On Tuesday, the Tolleson Union High School District released surveillance footage of the moments leading up to a fight between a student and a school resource officer.

10/06/2026

Register today- www.SchoolSafety911.org

10/05/2026

What an Incredible Lineup of Keynote Presentations coming to Longboat Key, Fl this Deb 8-10th - This event WILL sell-out. Register at www.SchoolSafety911.org - Florida Police Chiefs Association, (FPCA) - Florida Association of School Administrators - FASRO Florida Association of School Resource Officers - Florida Department of Education - Florida Sheriffs Association - Sarasota County Schools - School District of Manatee County

10/05/2026

Make your plans now for the Summer of 2027!! Registration now open. www.SchoolSafety911.org
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