The Saint Peter Public Schools Board of Education convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss critical updates to the district's emergency action plan, focusing on the adoption of a Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This protocol aims to enhance safety measures across schools by standardizing responses to various emergency situations.

Dr. Grama, a member of the safety and security team, presented the SRP, which includes five key procedures: hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, and shelter. Each procedure is designed to provide clear and consistent responses during emergencies. For instance, a "hold" would keep students in classrooms for situations like medical emergencies or disturbances in hallways, while a "secure" would lock down the school in response to external threats. A "lockdown" is initiated when there is a threat inside the building, requiring students to follow the "locks, lights, out of sight" protocol.

The board discussed the importance of training and signage to ensure that all students, staff, and even substitutes understand these procedures. Dr. Grama emphasized that the training materials and signage would be provided at no cost by a company known as "I Love You Guys," which aims to unify emergency response language across schools and emergency services.

Concerns were raised about specific locations within the school, such as the commons area, and how students would be directed to safety during a lockdown. The board acknowledged the need for clear evacuation routes and shelter locations, particularly in high-traffic areas.

The board plans to present the SRP for official approval in the upcoming month, marking a significant step toward enhancing the safety and preparedness of the district's schools. The discussions highlighted the district's commitment to student safety and the importance of having a well-defined emergency response strategy in place.