One of the most challenging responsibilities of a school security, safety, and emergency management executive is handling the multitude of technology upgrades required for the protection of today’s K-12 campuses. In most districts of any size, there are a lot of moving parts, supply chain issues, contractors, and in-house employees that all must be effectively managed. But, how do you actually do that? 

To find out, I spoke with Danielle Stevens who is district safety manager for Lake Zurich CUSD 95, who is also one of this year’s K-12 Director of the Year finalists. In only three years, she and her team completed 90% of a 2019 outside security assessment’s recommendations for school safety and security improvements. The remaining 10% of upgrades are currently being evaluated or are underway.

 

In our interview, Danielle tells us:

• How she prioritized the assessment’s recommendations: 1:45
• How she managed the school district employees and contractors who completed the upgrades: 4:41
• How she dealt with supply chain issues, including a 20-week delay in receiving the two-way radios the district ordered 7:30
• How she is tackling the projects that remain, such as the district’s massive and very expensive video surveillance system upgrade. 8:58

 She also provides some sage advice to other school security directors on how to effectively manage system upgrades. (12:45)

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