Florida hosts First National Summit on School Safety
Tallahassee, Florida – In a significant step toward improving school safety across the nation, the Florida Department of Education hosted its first-ever National Summit on School Safety. Held on March 3, 2025, the event brought together nearly 20 states, national education leaders, law enforcement officials, policymakers, and school safety experts to discuss Florida’s leading role in shaping the future of school security.
Florida’s commitment to safeguarding its students, educators, and schools is no secret, with the state having implemented policies and systems that have set the benchmark for other states. The Summit served as a unique opportunity to showcase Florida’s approach and share its best practices with other states striving to enhance school safety protocols.
“Florida has established a blueprint for the nation on policies that protect our schools, students, and educators when they are on school campuses,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Through the National Summit on School Safety, we brought together school safety leaders and experts for an important opportunity to share best practices with school safety specialists throughout the nation.”
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The event emphasized the importance of collaboration between education leaders, law enforcement, and emergency management officials. With Florida’s proactive approach to school safety, the state has developed a comprehensive model that addresses everything from physical security measures to mental health support for students. This model has become a reference for other states, and Florida is determined to continue leading the way in shaping policies that ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students.
“Florida has been at the forefront of improving school safety, and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is proud to come together with our education and law enforcement partners for the first-ever National Summit on School Safety,” said Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall. “We will continue to work together on this important issue to ensure that every child can achieve academic success in a safe and secure learning environment.”
The Summit focused on the importance of strengthening school safety systems and preparing for emergencies before they happen. Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie stressed the need for proactive preparedness in emergencies. He explained how these efforts lead to more effective responses when disasters or incidents strike.
“Ensuring the safety of our students is a top priority, and the School Safety Summit provides a critical opportunity for collaboration among emergency management, law enforcement, and education leaders,” Guthrie said. “Proactive preparedness is key to ensuring a swift and effective response when disasters strike. By working together, sharing best practices, and strengthening our plans, we can create safer learning environments and better protect Florida’s students and educators in any emergency.”
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The event featured a variety of sessions that offered valuable insights into various aspects of school safety. One of the key sessions was on mental health and resiliency, an area that has become increasingly important in creating a holistic approach to school safety. Other topics included securing after-school events, Florida’s Threat Management Model, and how partnerships between organizations can help create a unified approach to safeguarding schools.
The summit also addressed the implementation of safety measures and compliance, providing practical advice on how school districts and safety agencies can implement real change. One of the most powerful moments of the Summit was the panel discussion featuring families of the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. The parents shared their personal stories and insights on how the tragedy has shaped their views on school safety, highlighting the profound impact that such events have on families and communities.
“School safety is the top priority of every state and I was proud to speak to school safety professionals from across the nation about the work we have done in Utah to protect our students,” said Utah Department of Public Safety Director of State Security Matt Pennington. “Florida has been an incredible partner in helping Utah to improve our school safety protocols and school safety legislation. I applaud them for hosting this summit and bringing together law enforcement, education professionals and leading technology partners to continue to advance school safety.”
The success of the summit was made possible by the generous contributions of corporate sponsors. Critical Response Group (CRG), Raptor Technologies, and Armoured One served as presenting sponsors, with additional support from Eagle Globe Protective Services, CK2 Technologies, Centegix, Dynamic Integrated Security, Nightlock, and Secure Passage.
The National Summit on School Safety concluded with a renewed sense of unity and commitment to ensuring that schools across the nation are safe places for students to learn and grow. Florida’s leadership in this area has sparked a national conversation, and the Summit has been an important milestone in advancing the goal of a safer educational environment for all.
With this inaugural event, the Florida Department of Education has reinforced its role as a leader in school safety, and it is clear that the work to ensure safe schools is far from over. As this collaborative effort continues to evolve, it is evident that the key to progress lies in the shared commitment of educators, law enforcement, policymakers, and communities to protect the future of our children.
