As the new school year unfolds, a troubling surge in safety threats to educational institutions has emerged, causing significant disruptions to learning and distress among students, families, and educators. Bob Klausmeier, Director of K-12 Safety and the Center for Education Safety, highlighted the urgent need for robust emergency operations plans to address these escalating threats effectively.

Klausmeier noted that many safety specialists are currently overwhelmed with daily operational tasks, which has hindered their ability to maintain updated emergency plans. He emphasized that without a comprehensive and current emergency operations plan, schools are left scrambling to respond to crises, a process that requires time, effort, and collaboration among various stakeholders.

In response to these challenges, the MSBA Center for Education Safety is organizing a two-day safety summit on December 5th and 6th, titled \"The Secret to Great Crisis Communications and Emergency Planning.\" This event aims to equip school leaders with essential insights, best practices, and practical strategies for crisis management. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with expert speakers and network with peers to enhance their skills in safeguarding students and staff.

Klausmeier pointed out that the summit is not solely for safety personnel; it is designed for all levels of school administration, including board members. He stressed the importance of having a well-prepared crisis communications plan, especially in light of the increased media scrutiny that follows any emergency event. As schools across Missouri and the nation grapple with a rise in online threats of violence, the call for effective crisis preparedness has never been more critical.