Nearly all districts have acceptable use policies (AUP), which govern how school networks are used, but only 40 percent of districts actively enforce those policies. Forty percent said they spend only four hours or less per month reviewing questionable internet activity.
Measured on the same zero to 100 scale, the physical security average on this year’s security index is 32.2. That’s down from 44.7 in last year’s survey. Security-camera use increased from 70 percent in 2008 to 79 percent in 2009. But half of districts surveyed reported using cameras to monitor only outside areas.
Thirty-six percent of districts let local emergency response personnel view camera footage in real time, and 24 percent are planning or implementing this capability in the next 12 months.
Emergency communications methods are on the rise, with 70 percent of districts reporting that they use a mass notification system for real-time safety communications, up from 45 percent in 2008. Almost half–46 percent–of districts that do not currently have a mass notification system are considering implementing one in the next year.
“School safety is top of mind for administrators, teachers, and parents–as well as students,” Kirby said.
While schools are taking more steps to secure their campuses and their computer networks, threats are increasing at the same time, and school leaders must be aware of that, Kirby added.
And one district can be another district’s biggest help: Sharing advice and successful security best practices can help districts prioritize their needs and make the most of stretched budgets, he said.
Link:
CDW-G 2009 School Safety Index
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