The Power of Options-Based Crisis Response with Jason Cornwell & Ben Thompson
About this episode
The episode discusses the importance of options-based crisis response in schools, emphasizing empowerment and real-world readiness over rigid compliance.
What does it really mean to prepare people to think, decide, and act — not just follow rigid rules — when safety is on the line? In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety , Michele Gay is joined by Jason Cornwell, a nationally respected trainer in options-based safety and crisis response, and Ben Thompson, Assistant Superintendent in Frederick County Public Schools, Virginia. Together, they unpack what options-based crisis response really looks like in schools — and why moving beyond compliance-driven training toward judgment, situational awareness, and decision-making is essential for real-world readiness. Jason shares lessons from his work supporting districts across the country, while Ben brings the leadership perspective on implementing and sustaining this approach at scale. This conversation centers on empowerment over scripts — and on building a culture where adults and students are prepared to respond effectively when real life doesn’t follow the written plan. In this conversation: What options-based crisis response actually means in school settings Why rigid, one-size-fits-all rules can fail in real emergencies How situational awareness and mindset shape effective…
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