Revolutionizing School Safety: Verkada's New Advisory Board
School safety leaders will advise on best practices for educational institutions nationwide
Verkada, a prominent provider of cloud-based security solutions, has recently launched its School Safety Advisory Board, a body dedicated to enhancing safety across educational institutions. Comprised of experts in school safety and security, this board aims to drive the development of safer learning environments for students in K-12 and higher education.
With products deployed across over 6,500 schools, impacting nearly 20 million students, Verkada is taking a proactive approach to school safety. The creation of this advisory board is designed to further their mission of protecting people and places in the educational landscape.
Alana O'Grady Lauk, the Vice President of Public Affairs & Global Communications at Verkada, emphasizes that safety involves far more than just implementing technology—it requires partnerships, trust, and significant expertise. The board is composed of notable figures who have dedicated their careers to student safety, and their guidance will be invaluable as Verkada works to refine its offerings for educational institutions.
Introducing the School Safety Advisory Board
The members of the School Safety Advisory Board bring extensive experience from various backgrounds in school safety, emergency response, and educational leadership:
- Frank DeAngelis: Known for his role as the former Principal of Columbine High School and for his advocacy for school safety, DeAngelis founded The DeAngelis Foundation. This nonprofit focuses on enhancing community and school safety with training programs aimed at prevention and recovery.
- Pat Hamilton: The Alliance Director for The "I Love U Guys" Foundation, Hamilton works to standardize crisis response initiatives across educational institutions. He has a strong background with over 23 years of experience in various roles within the 12 Five Star School District.
- Ben Fernandez, MS.Ed: Serving as the Director of Mental and Behavioral Health Programs at Safe and Sound Schools, Fernandez has a wealth of knowledge in crisis prevention and response strategies, having worked as a school psychologist and a crisis intervention specialist.
This advisory group is committed to collaborating with Verkada to address current challenges in school safety, ensuring that their projects resonate with real-world requirements.
Frank DeAngelis echoes this sentiment, noting that effective preparation and response to the complex safety issues schools face today necessitates the involvement of a broad range of community members—educators, families, law enforcement, and technology partners.
This initiative will complement Verkada's existing collaborations with organizations dedicated to school safety, including Safe and Sound Schools and The "I Love U Guys" Foundation. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to empowering educational institutions in fostering safe environments for both students and staff.
About Verkada
Verkada's product lines include video security cameras, access control systems, environmental sensors, alarm systems, workplace solutions, and intercoms. These integrated solutions provide building security by leveraging a cloud-based software platform that makes security management straightforward and efficient. Today, over 30,000 organizations worldwide, including a significant portion of the Fortune 500, trust Verkada to safeguard their operations.
With this new School Safety Advisory Board, Verkada is well-positioned to continue its extensive work in enhancing safety across educational institutions, effectively leveraging expert insights to meet the evolving needs of schools everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Verkada's School Safety Advisory Board?
The board is designed to improve school safety by providing expert guidance and best practices for educational institutions.
Who are the members of the School Safety Advisory Board?
The board includes respected figures such as Frank DeAngelis, Pat Hamilton, and Ben Fernandez, who have extensive backgrounds in education and safety.
How many schools does Verkada serve?
Verkada's products are implemented in over 6,500 schools, benefiting approximately 20 million students.
What types of products does Verkada offer?
Verkada provides various security solutions, including video cameras, access control systems, environmental sensors, and more.
Why is community involvement important in school safety?
Creating a safe learning environment involves cooperation from educators, families, law enforcement, and technology partners, reflecting a community-wide commitment to safety.
