The Sound Off On School Safety

How do schools prepare for emergencies in ways that protect both physical safety and psychological well-being?In this special episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay is joined by Dr. Steven Brock, Dr. Melissa Reeves, and Mo Canady to discuss the newly updated Best Practice Guidance for School Safety and Lockdown Drills: Preparing for Active Threats.More than a decade after the original guidance was first released, this updated edition reflects years of research, lessons learned from schools across the country, and the collective expertise of educators, school psychologists, school resource officers, and safety professionals. Together, the panel explores how school safety practices have evolved, what the latest evidence tells us about lockdown drills, and why preparedness efforts must support both physical and psychological safety.Whether you're a school leader, educator, school resource officer, mental health professional, or parent, this conversation offers practical insights into creating safer, more supportive learning environments for every student.In this conversation:• What's new in the 2026 Best Practice Guidance for School Safety and Lockdown Drills• Why physical safety and psychological safety are inseparable• What the latest research reveals about lockdown drills and student preparedness• Why highly sensorial active shooter simulations should not be used in schools• How schools can build readiness without increasing fear and anxiety• New recommendations for schools and communities impacted by trauma or targeted violence👉 Listen now to learn how evidence-based school safety practices can help schools prepare for emergencies while supporting the confidence, well-being, and resilience of students and staff.Guest links:Dr Melissa Reeveshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-a-louvar-reeves-388b97bb/Dr Stephen Brockhttps://www.safeandsoundschools.org/featured-speakers/dr.-stephen-brockMo Canadyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-canady-90b0b211/Safe and Sound Speakers:https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/speakersShow links & resources:Connect with Michele: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/⁠Safe and Sound Schools:⁠⁠https://safeandsoundschools.org⁠⁠

What’s the real secret to transforming school safety? It’s not just policies or protocols — it’s people working together, across agencies, communities, and even states.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay talks with Shauntelle Cota and Rhett Larsen of the Utah School Safety Center about how Utah built a true culture of safety statewide. From landmark legislation to lessons learned from other states, they share how cooperation, consistency, and student voice are reshaping safety across Utah — and what every state can learn from their approach.Shauntelle and Rhett open up about the heavy lift of turning laws into lived culture, how they balance physical security with climate and connection, and why in school safety, we can never declare the work finished.In this conversation:The cooperation that powers Utah’s “school safety revolution”Why common language is the foundation for a culture of safetyHow Utah turned tragedy and legislation into momentum for changeThe balance between physical safety, culture, and climateWhat it takes to support schools without overwhelming themWhy student voice must shape every safety planThe reminder that in school safety, “we will never arrive” — the work is ongoing👉 Listen now to discover the secret behind Utah’s progress — and how your state or community can learn from it.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest Links:Utah School Safety CentreShauntelle on Linkedin

When kids act out, shut down, or spiral, it’s easy to label their behavior as defiance. But what if those moments are really signs of stress — and opportunities for connection?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay speaks with Dr. Stephanie Grant, child psychologist and national trainer on trauma-informed practices, about how stress and trauma affect the student brain. Dr. Grant shares why adult responses matter more than we think — and how the right strategies can turn challenging behaviors into moments of safety and growth.In this conversation:How to recognize the difference between trauma and stressWhy kids’ first reactions aren’t “choices” but neurological reflexesWhat adults can do to pause, reframe, and respond effectivelyWhy every school needs behavior safety plans, just like fire drillsThe critical role of relationships in reducing stress and building resilience👉 Listen now to hear Dr. Stephanie Grant explain how adults can respond to kids in ways that foster safety, trust, and growth.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Connect with Michele Gay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay

Parents may think they’d recognize the signs of drug or alcohol use in their kids, but the reality is far more complicated. Today’s guest has spent decades uncovering what families, schools, and even communities often miss.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele talks with Jermaine “Tall Cop” Galloway, a nationally recognized expert on substance trends and prevention, about what’s really happening inside our schools — and how schools and communities need to adapt to the rising dangers.. From vapes and concealment tactics to the deeper issue of how we build safe environments, Jermaine challenges us to pay attention to what’s right in front of us.In this conversation:Why vaping is changing the landscape of school substance useThe most common blind spots parents and educators faceHow “culture over gadgets” applies to prevention and safetyPractical ways adults can talk with kids and spot early warning signsWhy community engagement is the key to keeping schools safe👉 Listen now to hear how Jermaine Galloway is helping parents and schools move beyond assumptions and build safer, stronger communities.Guest Links: Tall Cop official site: https://www.tallcopsaysstop.com/ Tall Cop on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TallCopSaysStop Tall Cop Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5E7sEXTbZ4QkERzgUBJ3BH?si=705f3497dfe8407c&nd=1&dlsi=ce4a31527c1f4eacShow Links: Safe and Sound Schools: https://safeandsoundschools.org Connect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/ Donate to support Safe and Sound Schools: https://safe-and-sound-schools.web.app/Visit https://safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.

When it comes to keeping schools safe, there’s no single law, gadget, or checklist that will do the job — and Kathy Martinez-Prather wants everyone to know it.As Director of the Texas School Safety Center, Kathy leads one of the nation’s most forward-thinking efforts to create safer schools through prevention, policy, and community collaboration. In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with Kathy to explore what school safety really means, why it’s so much more than security hardware, and how every person — from students to policymakers — has a role to play.In this conversation:Why “school safety” means much more than preventing active shooter incidentsHow Texas is building a culture of safety through legislation, training, and collaborationThe critical role of prevention and early intervention — and why “see something, say something” still worksThe next generation of safety leaders: engaging youth in statewide safety initiatives👉 Listen now and learn how prevention, connection, and shared responsibility can transform school safety in your community.Visit safeandsoundschools.org for resources, tools, and ways to take action.Links and resources:Texas School Safety Center on LinkedInShow links:⁠Connect with Michele⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠Visit our website

When a crisis hits, what you say — and how you say it — can shape a community’s path to recovery.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with veteran educators and crisis communication experts Dr. Lori Mueller and Jerry Gallagher to unpack what it takes to lead in the moments that matter most. Drawing from their years of experience supporting schools before, during, and after emergencies, Lori and Jerry share the strategies, pitfalls, and personal lessons that help leaders protect both safety and trust.From navigating tragedy with compassion to making sure every voice feels heard, this conversation offers practical steps — and the human perspective — behind effective crisis response.In the conversation:How to communicate when emotions run high and facts are still coming inThe difference between “managing” a crisis and leading through oneWhy trust is your most valuable safety asset — and how to build it before you need itLessons from real school emergencies that can help any leader be better preparedThe role of relationships in both prevention and recovery👉 Listen now and learn how to strengthen your school community before the next crisis hits.Visit https://safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest Links:Dr Lori Mueller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lori-mueller-42a74736/Jerry Gallagher:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-gallagher-7b405b156/Donovan Group:https://donovan-group.com/crisis/Show links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website

When former Secret Service agent Mike Matranga turned his attention to school safety, he didn’t bring more gadgets or guards — he brought a mission to empower people.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay talks with nationally recognized school safety leader Mike Matranga about what most schools get wrong — and what it really takes to prevent violence. From his experience in the Secret Service to leading safety transformation in Texas City ISD after the Santa Fe tragedy, Mike shares why prevention beats panic, and how culture — not tech — is the key to safer schools.In the conversation:Why safety culture must be prioritized over technology The behavioral cues that matter — and when to act on themHow to empower every adult in a school without overwhelming themWhy reducing all violence — not just active shootings — matters mostThe critical difference between tools that feel safe vs. those that are👉 Listen now and learn how real safety starts with empowering real people.Visit https://safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Links and resources:Mike’s LinkedInM6 Global DefenseShow links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website

Weapons detection in schools—it’s a challenging topic that sparks strong opinions.In this episode, Michele Gay sits down with Tom McDermott, a recognized expert in detection technology, to unpack what weapons detection really means for K-12 schools. They discuss why it’s not just about metal detectors, but about layered security strategies and thoughtful implementation.Listen to learn how to balance safety with practical concerns, and why understanding the difference between traditional metal detection and modern weapons detection is key.