The Journey to Safer Schools

School security is most effective when multiple technologies work together—not in isolation. In this ZeroNow Conversations episode, we explore how layered technology solutions can enhance detection, communication, and response to threats on K–12 campuses. From access control and video surveillance to AI-enabled analytics, mass notification systems, and emergency management tools, we examine how an...

When Hackers Target Schools: Defending K–12 from Cyber Threats Part of ZeroNow’s  Conversations  expert panel discussion series, this session examines the growing cybersecurity threats facing today’s schools—and how education leaders can defend against them. As districts become increasingly digital, they’ve also become prime targets for ransomware, phishing, and data breaches that can disrupt lear...

Part of ZeroNow’s Conversations expert panel discussion series, this session brings together leading voices in school transportation, safety, and security to examine the critical challenges and emerging solutions in bus safety. From driver training and student behavior management to new technologies for monitoring and incident response, our panel will share practical strategies and real-world expe...

Part of ZeroNow’s Conversations expert panel discussion series, this session delivers a high-stakes look at the unique challenges of protecting sports and special events. From high school stadiums to large-scale community gatherings, these events bring excitement—and potential vulnerabilities. Our panel of security experts, law enforcement leaders, and event planners will share proven strategies f...

Join us for an in-depth conversation exploring the intersection of mental health awareness and early risk detection in school safety. This session will focus on equipping educators, administrators, and safety professionals with the tools and insights necessary to identify and address early signs of at-risk behaviors. By integrating mental health frameworks with threat assessment strategies, we aim...

What does it really take to create a culture of safety in schools—one that doesn’t rely on fear, but instead builds on trust, empathy, and collective responsibility? In this conversation, school leaders explored how safety culture is shaped by the relationships, routines, and reinforcements that happen every day. From defining the difference between climate and culture to empowering teachers and s...

Listen to our conversation with leaders from North Penn School District—Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer, Director of School Safety Brandon R., and School Board Director Jonathan Kassa—as they discuss how to make school safety a budget priority. What we covered: This conversation focused less on grant lists and more on how to create sustainable funding for school safety through local budgeting, commu...

This ZeroNow podcast explores the vital role of school bus safety, addressing how transportation staff, technology, and training contribute to creating safer environments for students during transit. Thank you to , and who share their experiences and insights from decades in school transportation. Key Points Drivers as Key Contributors to Safety : Drivers are the first to greet students daily and...

School safety experts delve into the latest challenges facing K-12 institutions, including cyber threats and physical vulnerabilities. This session will equip you with the tools to identify potential risks, implement effective threat assessment strategies, and ensure the safety of your school community. Learn how to spot emerging threats early, ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed before th...

Strategies for Securing Sports and Special Gathering with special guests Greg Overstreet from Atlanta Falcons, former University of Florida Security Director Joseph Souza, and Chief Valdimir Talley from Decatur Public Schools. Join us for the final installment of our “Path to Safer Schools” series as we present the webinar “Securing Sporting and Special Events at Schools.” In this session, we will...

In the aftermath of a crisis, recovery, reunification, and resolution are vital to ensuring the safe reunification of students with their families while maintaining order, transparency, and a focus on community well-being. Join  Rick Francis ,  Kelly Martin , and  Guy Grace    as they share their insights and experiences in guiding schools through these crucial steps. Key Takeaways: Comprehe...

Thank you to our panelists , and for their thoughtful contributions to this webinar. "Respond to Threats with Confidence" is a crucial webinar in the Path to Safer Schools series, focusing on the strategies and best practices for responding to emergencies in school settings. This discussion covered essential aspects of school safety response, including leadership during crises, communication proto...

Join guests Guy Bliesner, Daniel Dluzneski , and Gabrielle Morquecho as we discuss the next step in the Path to Safer Schools: Be Prepared. A well-trained staff and studnt body are key to sustainable safety efforts. Prepare policies and know how to act confidently in any situation. "Be Prepared," part of the "Path to Safer Schools" series, is a dynamic webinar designed to equip...

In today's climate, ensuring safety in educational settings is paramount. Join us for "Prevent Harm" a crucial installment in the "Path to Safer Schools" series. This podcast brings together a panel of esteemed experts, from diverse backgrounds such as education, law enforcement, mental health, and technology. Together, they will explore innovative strategies and community...

Desensitized Episode 33 Join us for an insightful interview with Becky Brady, an architect specializing in creating safe and engaging school learning environments. In this video, Becky shares her journey into architecture, inspired by a childhood love for building and understanding how things work. She explains her design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of integrating safety into school des...

The official launch event of the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD), a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering safer educational environments across the United States. This webinar features a distinguished lineup of speakers and a panel of the nation's top school safety experts. Program Schedule:Welcome (5 minutes) Introduction by  Ara Bagdasarian  , President ZeroNow Opening Re...

In the ongoing mission to safeguard our schools, securing adequate funding stands as a pivotal challenge. The "Path to Safer Schools" series proudly introduces its vital session, "Fund Your Safety Program: Strategies for Securing Resources." This panel discussion is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of funding school safety initiatives, offering a beacon of hope and prac...

The episode features an insightful interview with Jeff Morgan, who brings a wealth of experience from his military background to the domain of campus and corporate security. Jeff discusses his transition from the Air Force to spearheading emergency management and physical security initiatives at the University of Central Florida, and eventually moving into corporate security with LendingTree. He s...

ZeroNow Conversations. Episode 34 The "Path to Safer Schools" series proudly presents its next critical installment: "Assessing School Safety Vulnerabilities: A Comprehensive Approach." This insightful panel discussion aims to delve deep into the complexities of identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities within our educational environments, ensuring the well-being and security...

In this enlightening episode of the Desensitized series, host Michael Campanella sits down with security expert Jose Figueroa for a critical discussion on enhancing safety in our schools. From simple, actionable steps to the advanced potential of artificial intelligence, Figueroa offers a comprehensive guide to securing educational environments. Whether you're a concerned parent, a proactive s...

ZeroNow Conversations. Episode 33 In an era where school safety has never been more critical, the foundation of a secure learning environment begins with a comprehensive, cohesive team approach. We're thrilled to introduce our inaugural webinar, "Start with a Safety Team: The First Step on the Path to Safer Schools." This session is designed to empower educators, administrators, and...

In the wake of the harrowing mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022, our nation has been forced to confront the devastating impact of such acts of violence on our communities. This tragedy, resulting in the loss of 21 lives and leaving 17 others injured, has left an indelible mark on the Uvalde community and beyond. To honor the victims and survivors and ensure t...

Lead Trainer Brandon Rhone from Navigate360 discusses the importance of school safety training with Ohio State student Hannah Brody. ABOUT ZERONOW ZeroNow is the stakeholder community formed to drive ideas, innovation, and investment to advance school safety. Together, we will make schools safer for good, Visit www. ZeroNow.org for more episodes and to join the movement.

ZeroNow Conversations Episode 30 This Conversation provides a deep dive into the critical initiative to foster safe and secure learning environments in schools nationwide. The video replay and audio podcast will be available shortly for those who missed it or wish to revisit the insightful discussions. Panelists:  Shahe Bagdasarian  Superintendent, Oak Lawn Community High School  Elisa Mula  F...

This discussion is on the ethical implications of using facial recognition technology in schools. Our panel of experts will explore the challenges of balancing safety and privacy, and share their perspectives on the use of facial recognition in education. We'll start by delving into the current state of facial recognition technology, including its strengths and limitations. Then, we'll tur...