The Katonah Lewisboro School District (KLSD) Board of Education convened on June 26, 2025, to review the district's annual safety plan, a critical component mandated by state legislation aimed at ensuring safe learning environments for students and staff. The meeting featured a presentation by Melissa Joyce, who outlined the safety plan's requirements and updates.

Joyce emphasized the importance of community involvement in creating and maintaining a safe educational atmosphere, referencing the Project Save legislation enacted in response to the Columbine High School tragedy. This legislation mandates that every public school develop and regularly update a comprehensive safety plan, which includes emergency response protocols for various scenarios, such as natural disasters and school violence.

The safety plan is designed to protect the health and security of students and staff, requiring annual training and drills for both groups. Joyce noted that the district conducted its annual review of the safety plan earlier in June, with participation from various stakeholders, including board members, administrators, and community representatives.

Key updates to the safety plan include the establishment of a safety team comprising diverse members from the school community, clarification of the district's zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons, and changes in terminology related to lockdown procedures. The board is set to adopt the updated plan at its upcoming meeting on August 28, 2025, after which it will be filed with the state education department and local police.

The meeting concluded with board members expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts in ensuring student safety and inviting further discussion on the plan. The KLSD remains committed to fostering a secure environment for all its students and staff, with ongoing community engagement as a vital component of its safety strategy.