District-Wide School Safety Plan

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Commissioner’s Regulation 155.17
Education Law 2801 – a

Introduction

School districts & BOCES are required to develop a District-Wide School Safety Plan (DWSSP) to address emergencies and violent incidents. These plans are meant to be implemented quickly and effectively. The DWSSP aims to: prevent or minimize the impact of serious violent incidents and emergencies and facilitate coordination between the district and local/county resources during such events, and serve as a framework for the more detailed Building-Level Emergency Response Plan (BLERP) that is required at each individual school building.

The DWSSP is responsive to the needs of all schools/buildings within the district and is consistent with the more detailed Emergency Response Plans required at the building level. School districts face a wide range of potential threats, including acts of violence, natural disasters, and technological disasters. New York State’s Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) law mandates comprehensive planning to address these threats. This includes planning for:

Risk reduction/prevention: Strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of violent incidents and emergencies.
Response: Clearly defined actions to be taken during various emergency situations.
Recovery: Procedures for supporting students, staff, and the community in the aftermath of an incident.

School districts/BOCES are expected to regularly review and update their DWSSPs to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and in compliance with ever changing state regulations.

District-Wide School Safety Team

Purpose

The District-Wide School Safety Plan was developed in accordance with Commissioner’s Regulation 155.17. The Superintendent, acting under the direction of the Herkimer School District’s Board of Education, appointed a District-Wide School Safety Team to create and maintain this plan.

Identification of the District-Wide School Safety Team:

The District-Wide Safety Team includes representatives from various stakeholder groups, as required. These groups include (but are not limited to):

School board
Teacher organizations
Transportation personnel (including bus drivers and monitors)
Administrator organizations
School safety personnel
Parent organizations
Law enforcement
Student (at the discretion of the Board of Education and may not be provided any confidential plan information)
Other school personnel, as needed

The District-Wide School Safety Team was approved by the Board on Aug. 26.

Member Name, Title:

Kathleen Carney, Superintendent of Schools
Maria Lindsay, Middle-High School Principal
Renee Vogt, Elementary Principal
Nicole Crandall, High School Assistant Principal
Danielle Moore, Middle School Assistant Principal
Cristi Paragi, Elementary Assistant Principal
James McKernan, Building Maintenance Mechanic
Adam Hutchinson, BOCES Safety Supervisor
Brian Crandall, Board of Education Member
Scott Petucci, Board of Education Member
Philip Harvey, District Groundskeeper
Juliette Jones, Elementary School Nurse
Karen Vincent, Middle/High School Nurse
Nicholas Sheldon, Teacher
Laura Scalise, Teacher
Kathryn Jenne, Teacher
Sarah Brown, Teacher
Herkimer County Sheriff’s Department SPO(s)

Identification of the Chief Emergency Officer (CEO)

The Chief Emergency Officer (CEO) is a district employee with duties related to school safety and emergency preparedness that include, but are not limited to:

Communication Coordination: The CEO coordinates communication between school staff, law enforcement, and other first responders during emergencies.

District-Wide School Safety Plan Leadership: The CEO leads the District-Wide School Safety Team in:

Completing and updating the District-Wide School Safety Plan annually by September 1st.

Coordinating the District-Wide School Safety Plan and Building-Level Emergency Response Plan(s) for each school building.

Ensures that all staff members understand the District-Wide School Safety Plan.

Building-Level Plan Oversight: The CEO ensures that each school building completes and annually updates its Building-Level Emergency Response Plan.

Security Technology: The CEO assists in selecting security-related technology and developing procedures for its use.

Safety Training Coordination: The CEO coordinates appropriate safety, security, and emergency training for all district and school staff, including the mandatory annual training on emergency response procedures by September 15th.

Drill Coordination: The CEO ensures that required evacuation and lockdown drills are conducted in all district buildings as mandated by Education Law Section 807.

Chief Emergency Officer (CEO)
The School District/BOCES has appointed Kathleen A. Carney as the Chief Emergency Officer.
Title: Superintendent
Contact Information:
Email: kcarney@herkimercsd.org
Phone: 315-866-2230, ext 1304
The Board appointed Date: 08/26/2026

Concept of Operations

This section describes the “Concept of Operations” for the District-Wide School Safety Plan, explaining how it interacts with the Building-Level Emergency Response Plan(s) and how emergency response is initiated. In short, this section explains that the District-Wide School Safety Plan provides the overall structure and guidelines, while Building-Level Emergency Response Plan(s) address specific needs.

Guiding Principles: The general protocols outlined in the District-Wide School Safety Plan serve as the foundation for developing and implementing individual Building-Level Emergency Response Plans. The District-Wide School Safety Plan sets the standard operating procedures.
Stakeholder Involvement: Key internal (school staff, etc.) and external (community members, emergency services, etc.) stakeholders were involved in creating and revising the District-Wide School Safety Plan. This ensures that local knowledge and emergency management expertise are incorporated. The district recognizes its role as part of the larger community and the importance of community stakeholder involvement in school safety.

Plan Review and Public Comment

This section outlines the process for reviewing, getting public comment on, and adopting the District-Wide School Safety Plan, as well as the handling of Building-Level Emergency Response Plan(s).

District-Wide School Safety Plan Review and Adoption:

Periodic/Annual Review: The District-Wide School Safety Team will maintain the plan throughout the year as well as complete the required annual review of the plan on or before July 1st of each year.
Public Comment Period: The plan will be available for public comment for at least 30 days before adoption, as required by Commissioner’s Regulation 155.17 (e)(3).
Public Hearing: At least one public hearing must be held to allow for participation from school personnel, parents, students, and other interested parties.
Board of Education Adoption: The plan must be formally adopted by the Board of Education by September 1st, annually.
Website Posting: The District-Wide School Safety Plan will be posted to the district website. The URL is verified by October 1st, annually.
Submission to NYSED: The URL must be submitted to the NYS Education Department within 30 days of adoption, but no later than October 1st of each year on the NYS Education Department Application Business Portal.

Timeline for Adoption of the District-Wide School Safety Plan

TASK – DATE:

District-Wide Safety Team Annual Review – 07/15/2026
Public Comment Period (including website posting) – From 07/09/2026 through 08/25/2026
Public Hearing – 08/26/2026
Approval of the DWSSP by Board of Education – 08/26/2026
URL of DWSSP verified (by 10/1) – https://www.herkimercsd.org/departments-services/buildings-grounds/districtwide-school-safety-plan/

Building-Level Emergency Response Plans:

Confidentiality: Building-Level Emergency Response Plans are confidential and are not subject to disclosure under Article 6 of the Public Officers Law (Freedom of Information Law) or any other provisions of the law, as per Education Law Section 2801-a.
Distribution to Law Enforcement: Building-Level Emergency Response Plans will be provided to the New York State Police, County Sheriff’s Office, and Local Police Agency(ies) within 30 days of adoption and no later than October 1st of each year. After plans are entered into the NYS Education Department Application Business Portal, NYS Police and local jurisdictions are able to access them via the portal.

Risk Reduction/Prevention – School Climate

This section focuses on the district’s strategies for preventing and reducing the risk of negative events, emphasizing the importance of a positive school climate and effective communication.

The district acknowledges that while prevention is the ideal goal, not all negative events can be prevented. Therefore, they focus on both prevention (proactive measures) and risk reduction/intervention (minimizing the impact of events that do occur). Improving school culture, climate, and communication are seen as key to both.

Program Initiatives:

The district highlights the importance of programs and activities that foster a positive school climate, enhance communication, and encourage reporting of potentially dangerous, suspicious, or violent behavior. These initiatives aim to improve safety, security, and quality of life for the entire school community and create a positive and safe learning environment.

Herkimer District encourages all divisions to develop strategies that support a positive and safe learning environment for students, such as community involvement, mentoring programs, School Resource Officer Program/presentations, Restorative Practices, Character Education, SEL, PBIS, and schedule adjustment to minimize potential for conflicts or altercations.

Herkimer School District’s Programs:

DASA Referral
Code of Conduct
TREATY program, Herkimer County Youth Violence Prevention Council through Catholic Charites
Herkimer Sheriff’s Department – SPO’s
Connected Community Schools (CCS), ICAN, Ready for Kindergarten (RFK)
District-wide social and emotional lessons via school counselors and social workers

Risk Reduction/Prevention – School Safety & Building Security

This section details the implementation of school safety and building security measures, including routine precautions, access control, visitor policies, hazard identification, and construction safety.

Routine Precautions: All staff are required to immediately report any information or observations that could impact school safety to their principal or supervisor. The policy emphasizes erring on the side of caution and reporting even seemingly minor details.
Limited Access: Each building implements a limited access policy, tailoring it to their specific needs. This generally involves keeping only essential exterior doors unlocked during the school day and monitoring those doors. All other entrances are secured shortly after the start of the school day. Electronic visitor access control systems are used at primary entrances. Keyless/electronic access systems are used for authorized personnel.
Staff Photo Identification Badges: All employees must wear photo ID badges at all times while on district property.
Visitor Policy: All visitors must report to the main office, sign in, wear a visible name badge, and sign out. Staff are instructed to approach any unannounced visitor without proper identification.
Student Sign-Out Procedures: The district verifies that only authorized individuals sign out students. Staff may require a photo ID and contact a parent/guardian for confirmation.
Video Surveillance: A digital video surveillance system monitors high-use areas and areas of concern.
School Safety Assessment: Regular school safety assessments are conducted to identify potential safety problems.
Fire Alarm: A fire detection alarm system linked to a central monitoring station is in service. Regular testing is conducted.
Random Drug/Explosive Sniffing Canine Search: The district may occasionally conduct canine searches.
Vital Educational Agency Information: The district maintains information on school population, staff numbers, transportation needs, and key official contact information.
School Resource Officer/Special Patrol Officer: The district contracts with local law enforcement agencies for a School Resource Officer (SRO) and/or Special Patrol Officer (SPO) who acts as a liaison between students and staff and handles anonymous reports.
- Duties, Hiring and Screening Process for Safety/Security Personnel:The district can rely on established past practices. Civil service procedures, in consultation with the district, may define the duties.The district itself can determine the duties, provided they adhere to all relevant federal, state, county, and municipal guidelines.The district is committed to equal opportunity employment, adhering to:
  - The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Public Law 90-202, and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- Hiring processes must comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws and guidelines. Qualifications are set by civil service (if applicable) or by the Board of Education. Since July 1, 2001, all newly hired school personnel must submit two sets of fingerprints for background checks, as required by the Schools Against Violence in Education Legislation of 2000.
- This excerpt does not provide explicit details concerning the required training of hall monitors and other school safety personnel. It does state that the duties will be provided by past practice, civil service, or the district, and that the district must follow all Federal, State, County and Municipal guidance, so it can be assumed that any training required by that guidance must be followed.

Early Detection of Potentially Violent Behaviors:

The district recognizes the importance of early intervention. Staff professional development includes training on school violence prevention and mental health. Communication strategies are used to deter violence, involving various stakeholders (law enforcement, health professionals, etc.) when appropriate and legally permissible. Information on early detection of potentially violent behaviors is distributed to the school community. Students, parents, and staff are encouraged to report any concerning behaviors. Strategies for improved communication include:

Clear expectations for students (Code of Conduct).
Attentive listening to students.
Encouraging communication among all stakeholders.
Multi-agency teams.
Staff training on effective listening and questioning.
Programs promoting character development.

Hazard Identification:

Potential emergency sites could include the main building (s), playground, adjacent properties, buses, off-site trips, and nearby commercial areas. Building-Level Emergency Planning Teams identify unique hazards at their locations. The district has multi-hazard response plans (based on Incident Command System and NIMS) for:

Civil Disturbance: Bomb threat, intruder, hostage, kidnapping, assault/threat, threat of suicide.
Environmental Emergency: Flood, hazmat, snow/ice, tornado, storm, fire, explosion, gas leak.
Building Failure: System failure, structural failure.
Medical Emergency: Injury/illness (including Cardiac Emergencies), accident, mass illness/epidemic, pandemic.
- Cardiac Emergencies: Herkimer District has developed a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) as part of its Building-Level Emergency Response Plan(s). The CERP includes the following information:
  - Designated Cardiac Emergency Response Team,
- - Protocols for AED Placement, Maintenance, and Testing,
- - Coordination with local EMS for specific cardiac event response, and
  - Annual review of the CERP
Extreme Heat Condition Days: Schools are required to incorporate extreme heat conditions into their Building-Level Emergency Response Plans, as of September 1, 2025. Mitigation measures begin at 82 degrees.
Transportation: Schools are required to plan for how to manage transportation resources to safely and efficiently transport students and staff during school incidents and emergencies. This applies to transportation during regular school hours, extracurricular activities, and school-sponsored events.

Identified onsite hazards can include: chemical storage, welding areas, indoor vehicle areas, compressed gas storage, paint booths, congregation areas, conference areas, and boiler/mechanical rooms.

Identified off site hazards can include: major highways (chemical transport), the airport (flight path), railroad, industrial sites, and creeks.

D. Construction and Capital Project Safety:

The district ensures student and staff safety during construction, which may include background checks on workers, maintaining emergency egress routes, and notifying building occupants of changes. The District Safety Committee (or a subcommittee) may monitor construction safety. The committee may include the Superintendent, Director of Facilities, Safety Services members, administrators, architect, construction manager, and contractors, and will meet as needed to address safety concerns.

Emergency Response – Planning, Drills/Training Communications, and Procedures

This section covers the planning including: drills and training, notification and activation procedures, situational responses to various emergencies, including acts of violence and terrorist threats, and available protective action options.

Planning:

Multi-Hazard Response: This involves developing comprehensive plans to address a variety of potential emergencies, including natural disasters, technological incidents, and human-caused threats. It emphasizes a unified approach, ensuring that staff and students are prepared to react effectively regardless of the specific hazard. This strategy aims to create a safer and more resilient school environment by prioritizing proactive planning, training, and consistent practice. A typical response protocol includes:
- Assess the situation (Incident Commander/Designee)
- Implement response action
- Notify parents/guardians
- Recovery
- Evaluation

Building-Level Emergency Response Plan Planning Protocols: Building-Level Emergency Response Plans include protocols for bomb threats, hostage takings, intrusions, and kidnappings, including:

Identification of decision-makers
Plans to safeguard students and staff
Transportation procedures
Parent & media notification procedures

Training (Emergency Response Procedures):

This section details the required drills and training procedures for emergencies, emphasizing a trauma-informed approach and compliance with Education Law §807.

All Staff Training (including subs): will receive training by September 15th annually, (new employees will be trained within 30 days of hire) training on emergency response procedures (with review of the Emergency Response Card), different types of hazards (including AED use for sudden cardiac arrest), appropriate response actions, violence prevention, mental health awareness, and the Incident Command System including roles and responsibilities.
Student Training: will take place in an age- and developmentally appropriate manner prior to the first drill.

Emergency Response Procedures (updated for the 2025-2026 School Year):

Shelter-in-Place/Shelter: Used to shelter students and staff inside the building.
Hold-in-Place/Hold: Used to limit movement of students and staff while dealing with short-term emergencies.
Evacuate: Used to evacuate students and staff from the building.
Secure Lockout: Used to secure school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside of the school building or campus.
Lockdown: Used to secure school buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the school.

Drill Requirements and Trauma-Informed Approach:

Mandated Drills to Practice Emergency Response Procedures: Each school must conduct 4 lockdown drills and 8 evacuation (aka Fire) drills (12 total) annually, as required by Education Law §807. With 6 evacuation drills and 2 lockdown drills occurring before December 31st, annually and after students and staff receive training in emergency response procedures has been provided. Remaining drills need to be completed by June 30th, annually.
Prohibited Tactics: Drills and training during the school day with students present cannot include props, actors, simulations, or tactics mimicking school shootings, violence, or other emergencies.
Trauma-Informed Drills: All drills and exercises must be trauma-informed, meaning they avoid tactics that could trigger past trauma, such as using props, actors, simulations, or mimicking school shootings or other violent events. The focus is on understanding trauma and its impact on students and adults.
Developmentally Appropriate Content: Drills must be developmentally and age-appropriate.
Tabletop Exercises: Tabletop exercises (discussions of roles and responses to sample emergencies) can be used for staff training in coordination with local and county emergency officials, especially when live drills are impractical.

Notification of Drills to Parents/Guardians:

Parental notification is required for all drills, including Evacuation (Fire) Drills. Notice to parents and those in parental relation regarding drills must be made within one week before each drill, meaning at least 1 day before and no more than 7 days before the drill.

Annual open house presentation on safety procedures,
Annual letter home to parents regarding safety protocols via Parent Square including notice of emergency drills, early release days and any other pertinent emergency notifications system

Parental notification is not required for bus drills.

Announcing Drills:

Students and staff will be informed of drills at the time a drill occurs except for evacuation drills. They are not required to be announced as per the NYS Fire Code.

Post-Drill Debriefings:

Each drill/exercise will be followed by a debriefing session for staff involved in identifying areas for improvement in emergency response actions and protocols.

Additional Drills:

Drills will be held during summer school, with one drill occurring during the first week.
Go-Home Early dismissal drills will not occur more than 15 minutes before the normal dismissal time. Parents/guardians will be notified in writing at least one week prior to the drill. Transportation and communication procedures will be included in the drill.
Bus Evacuation Drills

Full-Scale Exercises:

Full-scale exercises (involving props, actors, or simulations) conducted with local/county emergency responders cannot be held during regular school days or when school activities are occurring. Students cannot participate in these exercises without written parental/guardian consent.

Communication:

Law Enforcement Contact: Quick contact with law enforcement is crucial. Relationships are established through Building-Level Emergency Response Teams (BLERTs), and contact information is documented in the Building-Level Emergency Response Plan. Incident Commanders are authorized to initiate law enforcement contact.
Notification Methods: Notification methods include County Emergency Services, telephone, email, portable radio, NOAA weather radio, website, intercom/PA, local media, and others as needed.
Internal Communication: The district will notify all principals/designees in the event of an emergency.
Parent/Guardian Notification: The district may use County Emergency E911 Centers, other messaging systems, local media, or the website to contact parents/guardians in case of a violent incident or early dismissal.
Use of Parent Square as the Universal Communication resource

Response Protocols:

Initial Response: The Building Incident Commander onsite during an emergency will be responsible to initiate response and contact the Chief Emergency Officer (CEO). The CEO will provide leadership, organize activities and disseminate information (a designated alternate will act in their absence) with the assistance of the Building-Level Emergency Response Team(s).
Local Government Assistance: Contacting Oneida County 911 activates the system for coordinating assistance from county and local agencies (as per Article 2-B of the Executive Law).
Responses to Medical Events: Building-Level Emergency Response Plans detail procedures for responding to Medical Events (including Cardiac Emergencies), may include but are not limited to:
- Assessing situationInitiating emergency procedures (i.e., first aid, etc.)Contacting emergency responders
- Utilizing AEDs as needed and if appropriate.

Responses to Acts of Violence (Implied/Direct Threats, Including Suicide Threats): Building-Level Emergency Response Plan(s) detail procedures for responding to threats. Potential actions may include but are not limited to:
- Following procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct
- Use staff trained in de-escalation strategies to diffuse the situation.
- Notifying the Building Principal
- Assessing threat level with the Superintendent/Designee
- Contacting law enforcement (if necessary, following MOU)
- Monitoring and adjusting responses
- Use of the Building-Level Emergency Response Team
Responses to Acts of Violence: Building-Level Emergency Response Plans detail procedures for responding to violent acts, may include but not limited to:
- Isolating the area and evacuation (if appropriate)
- Notification of Principal/Superintendent
- Initiating emergency response procedures
- Contacting emergency responders
- Monitoring and adjusting responses
- Early dismissal, sheltering, or evacuation procedures
- Keeping parents/guardians informed
Responses to Violence (Reporting, Investigation, Follow-Up, Evaluation, Disciplinary Measures): Building-Level Emergency Response Plans detail procedures for responding to threats, may include but are not limited to:
- Reporting: All violent incidents (including verbal abuse and threats) must be immediately reported and documented. Confidentiality is maintained, and there is no reprisal for reporting.
- Investigation: Review incidents to prevent recurrence (not to find fault), focusing on facts, recording information, identifying causes, recommending actions, encouraging follow-up, and considering changes to controls, policies, and procedures.
- Follow-Up: The district provides medical and psychological support to affected individuals, ensuring confidentiality and protection from discrimination.
- Evaluation: There will be a periodic review of school building security analysis, focusing on potential violent incidents (bomb threats, hostage-taking, etc.) with input from law enforcement.
- Disciplinary Measures: The Code of Conduct guides disciplinary actions.
- Code of Conduct: The district has a detailed Code of Conduct, communicated to all stakeholders, which is a major part of violence prevention.
- Emergency Assistance from Local Government: Contact 911 immediately. Additional support is available from the Sheriff, local police, fire departments, threat assessment teams, and County Emergency Services.
- Resources Available: District facilities, vehicles, and equipment are available. The district can also contact the local highway department for heavy equipment.
- Resource Coordination: The Incident Command System is used to coordinate resources and manpower.
Protective Action Options: Building-Level Emergency Response Plans include procedures for:
- School cancellation (Superintendent/Designee)Early dismissal (Superintendent/Designee, parent notification)Emergency evacuation (Principal/Designee, accounting for students/staff, potential off-site relocation)Shelter-in-place (Principal/Designee, provisions for basic needs if extended)Hold-in-place (Principal/Designee)Secure Lockout (Principal/Designee)
- Lockdown (Principal/Designee)
Terrorist Threats & Activities: The Principal will follow NYS Homeland Security recommendations based on the declared alert level.

The district encourages reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement, following the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign.

Responding to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and Other Medical Emergencies

The Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) is a mandatory component of the District-Wide School Safety Plan, pursuant to the requirements of Desha’s Law (Chapter 189 of the Laws of 2025).

DWSSP – Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP)

Training and Certified Personnel

CPR/AED Certified Personnel: At least one school staff member that is trained and certified in both CPR and AED usage be present at school, school athletics, and school sponsored events. The training taken must be through a nationally-recognized organization, such as the American Heart Association. This training is mandatory for all school nursing and coaching staff but is voluntary for other employees.
Documentation of Certified Personnel: The District will maintain a list of all trained personnel by building/location, availability, and their certification expiration dates to ensure compliance.

Voluntary CPR/AED Training: Training may be offered periodically on a voluntary basis to relevant district staff, including members of the building-level emergency response team(s).
Required Student and Staff Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training: All students and staff will be trained in the signs of sudden cardiac arrest annually. Student training will take place in an age and developmentally appropriate manner.

AED Availability and Maintenance

AED Availability: The District will provide AED equipment in each instructional facility and at key locations across the district. They will be clearly marked, accessible, and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.
Signage: Signage will be posted at the main entrance of each school building indicating the locations of the AEDs.
Documentation of AED Locations: All AEDS will be clearly labeled and stored in appropriate containers, cabinets, or go bags/cases. The District maintains a list of all AEDs by building/location and expiration dates of batteries, pads and units.

Cardiac Emergency Response Protocols/Venue Specific Procedures: This section outlines the immediate actions to be taken upon recognition of a potential SCA incident in the school building, on school grounds, or at school-sponsored events. Staff should always carry communication devices and emergency contact information for assistance when outside or off school property.

*Emergency Contact Number – Call 911

Steps to Take When Responding to Medical Emergencies Including Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Upon discovery of a medical emergency in a school building, on school grounds, or at athletic/school events, we will take the following steps:

Ensure Scene Safety – Staff member(s) will take charge of the area until the incident is contained or relieved. (It is recommended that they do not move the patient if a head, neck, or back injury is suspected.)
Notification – Shout for help. If alone, call for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) via 911 and obtain the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), if the victim is in cardiac arrest.
- a. Follow 911 emergency dispatcher’s instructions.
- b. Call for any Certified Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) school personnel and notify administrator or designee.
- c. The nurses/trained school personnel have access to Stop the Bleed kits, first aid kirs, epi-pens, AEDs, and/or naloxone.
Treatment – The certified school personnel will begin preliminary evaluation and treatment including CPR/defibrillation.
Upon arrival of EMS, nurses/certified school personnel will report initial findings to emergency personnel and be relieved.
School administration or designee notifies parent/guardian or staff member’s emergency contract.
Other staff may be asked to support the situation (i.e. clear halls, direct emergency personnel, contact family). Other annexes may be used as necessary depending on the situation (i.e. Hold-in Place). All staff should know where AEDs are located and how to call for help. Staff outside or off school property should always carry communication devices and emergency contact information for assistance.

Post-Emergency Actions

Document: Document event including observations, all steps taken and by whom, who was notified, and information reported to EMS. Hold a post event debriefing.
Debriefing: Hold a post-event debriefing. Plans should be in place to notify the Post-Incident Crisis Response Team, if necessary.

Recovery

This section describes the recovery procedures following an emergency or violent incident, including district support, mental health services, and recordkeeping.

District Support for Buildings:

Crisis Plan Activation: After an incident, the Crisis Plan will be activated by the appropriate level Emergency Response Team.
Resource Deployment: Necessary resources will be deployed to support the Emergency Response Teams and Post-Incident Response Teams.
Support from District Resources: The Building-Level Emergency Response Team and the Building- Level Post-Incident Response Team will be supported by all available district resources and personnel as needed.

Disaster Mental Health Services:

Post-Incident Response Team: Each building’s Building-Level Emergency Response Team will designate a Post-Incident Response Team to provide crisis intervention and disaster mental health services, as detailed in the building’s plan.
Additional Resources: Buildings can draw upon existing pupil personnel staff (e.g., counselors, psychologists, social workers).
External Support: If a building lacks sufficient resources, the district will arrange for additional pupil personnel staff to assist the Post-Incident Response Team.
Employee Assistance: Employees are encouraged to utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
County/State Support: Depending on the scope of the incident, the County Office of Emergency Services and Department of Mental Health may be contacted to coordinate county or statewide support.

Communicable Disease – Pandemic Plan

This section addresses the protocols and procedures for responding to a communicable disease outbreak or pandemic, as mandated by Labor Law §27-c and Education Law §2801-a. It is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the community, while maintaining continuity of educational operations to the greatest extent possible. This plan is built upon the existing framework of the DWSSP and Building-Level Emergency Response Plans (BLERPs), and will be regularly reviewed and updated in collaboration with public health authorities.

Prevention/Mitigation

Essential Positions/Titles:

A detailed list and description of positions deemed essential, with clear justifications for their designation.

Protocols for documenting precise hours and work locations of essential workers.

Strategies for staggering work shifts to reduce workplace and public transportation overcrowding.

Human Resources Essential Positions (Example Table)
Description – Justification – Work Shift – Protocol

Director of Public Health – Direct source of information from NYS – 8-4 – Contact via phone

Telecommuting Protocols:
- Specific protocols enabling non-essential employees and contractors to telecommute.
- Measures to ensure digital equity for employees and students.
Coordination and Communication:
- Close collaboration with the Health Department.
- Designated Pandemic Coordinator and District-Wide School Safety Team.
- Educational campaigns on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
- Information dissemination to parents, staff, and students.

Protection/Preparedness

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Protocols for securing and storing sufficient PPE for essential workers.
- Plan for proper storage to prevent degradation and ensure immediate access.

Disposable Face Covering Supplies

Group: Students

Quantity per 100 per Group: 100 Masks per Week
12 Week Supply 100% Attendance: 1,200
12 Week Supply 50% Attendance: 600
12 Week Supply 25% Attendance: 300
Assumptions: 1 Disposable Mask per Week per Student (supplements parent provided)

Group: Teachers/Staff

Quantity per 100 per Group: 500
12 Week Supply 100% Attendance: 6,000
12 Week Supply 50% Attendance: 3,000
12 Week Supply 25% Attendance: 1,500
Assumptions: 5 Disposable Masks per Week per Teacher

Group: Nurse/Health Professionals

Quantity per 100 per Group: 1,000
12 Week Supply 100% Attendance: 12,000
12 Week Supply 50% Attendance: 6,000
12 Week Supply 25% Attendance: 3,000
Assumptions: 10 Disposable Masks per Week per School Nurse

PPE for High Intensity Contact with Students

Item: Disposable Nitrile Gloves

1 Week Supply for 1 Staff: 10
12 Week Supply: 120
Assumptions: 10 per Week per Staff

Item: Disposable Gowns

1 Week Supply for 1 Staff: 10
12 Week Supply: 120
Assumptions: 10 per Week per Staff

Item: Eye Protection

1 Week Supply for 1 Staff: 2
12 Week Supply: n/a
Assumptions: 2 Re-usable per Staff

Item: Face Shields

1 Week Supply for 1 Staff: 2
12 Week Supply: n/a
Assumptions: 2 Re-usable per Staff

Item: Waste Disposal Medium

1 Week Supply for 1 Staff: 1
12 Week Supply: n/a
Assumptions: 1 Unit per Staff Total

Item: N-95 Respirators*

1 Week Supply for 1 Staff: 10
12 Week Supply: 120
Assumptions: 10 per Week per Staff

Incident Command:
- Establishment of District-Wide and Building-Level Command Centers and Incident Command Structures.
- Designated Pandemic Coordinators for each school.
- Comprehensive communication strategies, including a designated Public Information Officer (PIO).
Operational Continuity:
- Procedures for maintaining essential functions and services, including business office, facilities, and human resources.
- Strategies for ensuring continuity of instruction through various modalities.

Response

Activation Protocols:
- Criteria for activating the pandemic response based on internal monitoring and public health guidance.
- Notification of the Incident Command Structure and implementation of communication procedures.
Spread Prevention and Contact Tracing:
- Protocols for preventing the spread of communicable diseases in the workplace.
- Procedures for documenting hours and work locations of essential workers.
- Coordination with local health authorities for contact tracing.

Disinfection and Cleaning:
- Cleaning and disinfection protocols for workspaces and common areas.
- Procedures for handling confirmed cases of illness.
- Return to school guidelines.
Employee Support:
- Employee assistance program and medical accommodations.
Emergency Housing:
- Pre-identified local housing options for essential employees, if needed.

Recovery

Return to Normal Operations:
- Strategies for re-establishing the normal school curriculum and operations.
- Evaluation of building operations and re-implementation of maintenance and cleaning procedures.
Post-Incident Assessment:
- Assessment of the emotional impact on students and staff.
- Debriefing and lessons learned by the District-Wide and Building-Level Emergency Response Teams.
- Revision of the DWSSP and BLERPs.
- Curriculum development to address the crisis.

Emergency Remote Instruction Plan

The Emergency Remote Instruction Plan is available at this link: https://www.herkimercsd.org/departments-services/buildings-grounds/emergency-remote-instruction-plan/

School Security/School Resource Officer Services Contract

Agreement between Herkimer County, through the Herkimer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Herkimer Central School District: School Resource Officer/Special Patrol Officer

Appendices

Appendix 1: Employee Worksite – School Buildings

Listing of all school buildings covered by the District-wide School Safety Plan with addresses of buildings, and contact names and telephone numbers for building staff.

Herkimer High School

801 W German St.
Herkimer, NY 13350

Maria Lindsay, Middle-High School Principal

Nicole Crandall, High School Assistant Principal

Phone: (315) 866-2230
Fax: (315) 866-8595

Danielle Moore, Middle School Assistant Principal