Coordinator of School Safety

York School District One

Job Description

Title: Coordinator of School Safety
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations
Supervises: School Resource Officers (in coordination with law enforcement), and other assigned staff
Work Year: 12 months/240 days
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay Grade: Administrative Level – Coordinator Scale

Position Summary

The Coordinator of School Safety provides leadership and coordination of all district safety and security initiatives to ensure that every school and workspace in York School District One provides a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment.

This position oversees district-wide safety operations, emergency preparedness, crisis response, and school security systems. The Coordinator works collaboratively with district leaders, principals, law enforcement, and community partners to protect students, staff, and facilities while promoting a culture of care, belonging, and accountability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• District Leadership and Planning
• Develop, implement, and continually update the District Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in alignment with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Provide guidance and support to principals and school safety teams in creating, maintaining, and executing school-specific safety plans.
• Serve as the district's liaison with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency management agencies.
• Lead district efforts to comply with state-mandated safety audits, crisis response protocols, and annual safety training requirements.
• Coordinate district-wide participation in the Incident Command System (ICS) framework during emergencies.

Training and Preparedness

• Design, coordinate, and deliver professional learning for school and district staff on emergency procedures, crisis communication, threat assessment, and de-escalation.
• Plan and monitor required emergency drills (lockdown, evacuation, severe weather, fire, etc.) and ensure documentation and compliance across all schools.
• Provide specialized training for school administrators and support personnel in collaboration with law enforcement and mental health professionals.
• Lead or assist with tabletop and full-scale emergency exercises involving internal teams and community partners.

Security Operations and Infrastructure

• Oversee installation, maintenance, and monitoring of security systems, including crisis badges, video surveillance, door access control, and visitor management systems.
• Conduct regular safety and security audits of all facilities and coordinate corrective actions with Operations and Maintenance departments.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to facility design, traffic flow, and environmental safety during new construction and renovation projects.
• Collaborate with Technology and Operations to ensure seamless system integration and data protection.
• Threat Assessment and Crisis Response
• Chair the District Threat Assessment Team and provide technical assistance to school-level teams.
• Coordinate immediate response and communication during critical incidents and emergencies.
• Oversee post-incident reviews, documentation, and after-action debriefs to improve future response.
• Support Student Services and principals in addressing behavioral or mental-health-related safety concerns and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Policy, Compliance, and Reporting
• Ensure compliance with South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and state safety and security mandates, including drill frequency, training documentation, and threat assessment procedures.
• Recommend policy revisions and administrative procedures related to school safety, visitor access, and crisis communication.
• Maintain comprehensive data on safety audits, drills, and incidents; prepare reports for the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and state agencies.
• Assist with federal and state safety grants and ensure accountability in expenditure and outcomes.

Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinate the School Resource Officer (SRO) program across the district in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community partners, including emergency management, fire departments, and public health officials.
• Communicate safety initiatives, updates, and expectations clearly and consistently to district and school stakeholders.
• Support the district's commitment to a positive, safe climate and culture by integrating safety practices that build belonging and mutual respect.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze safety and incident data to identify trends, gaps, and proactive prevention strategies.
• Stay current on emerging best practices, technologies, and legislative changes in school safety and emergency management.
• Provide regular updates to district leadership and the Board regarding safety priorities, initiatives, and outcomes.
• Lead ongoing improvement cycles through data-driven decision making and evidence-based practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of school safety, emergency management, and threat assessment principles.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and teams.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in crisis situations.
• Skilled in use of security and data management systems.
• Deep commitment to ensuring safe, inclusive, and equitable environments that support the academic and emotional well-being of all students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in school safety, law enforcement, or emergency management.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Public Safety, or Emergency Management.
• Prior experience in a public-school district administrative or leadership capacity.
• Certification in Threat Assessment, Crisis Management, or School Safety Coordination.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets and safety grants.

Working Conditions:

• Generally, the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing.
• Must regularly lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.
• May experience constant interruptions, inflexible deadlines, and changes to normal routines.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet special project deadlines, including working 1-2 evenings per month for Board and other public meetings.
• May require evening and weekend availability to respond to urgent issues or attend district events.
• Ability to travel within the district and to off-site events as necessary.

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Support Service Personnel.

York School District One is an equal opportunity employer

York School District One does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, handicap, sex, age, alienage or national origin as required by applicable state and federal laws.