Sara Cordova

Sara Cordova, the Yakima School District's director of safety and security, poses with a Centegix Crisis Alert badge.

In the wake of the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, many have reflected on the importance of safety in our own schools here in Yakima.

You may have seen interviews with Apalachee staff crediting a newly installed alert system for saving lives. Personnel spoke about how the system, which had been in place for just one week, allowed staff to trigger a lockdown, ensuring the safety of students and minimizing further harm.

While the system was new to Apalachee, the Yakima School District (YSD) has had that same crisis alert platform fully implemented for more than two years.

This advanced safety technology allows any YSD staff member to initiate a lockdown, whether they’re in a classroom, hallway, playground, or even outside on the athletic fields or parking lots.

The system doesn’t require waiting for administrative approval, as it empowers any YSD employee to take immediate action. With clicks of their badge, any YSD adult can trigger both audio and visual alerts across all areas of the campus in need of support.

This system has already proven its value in Yakima.

On Sept. 12, 2023, a shooting occurred near one of our high schools. Within moments, multiple buildings were locked down using the security notification system, ensuring the safety of students and staff while law enforcement responded.

But this system has made a difference, not just during high-profile emergencies.

In another instance, a staff member, losing consciousness in her office, was able to activate the Centegix alert before collapsing behind her desk, out of the line of sight from the hallway. Thanks to the system’s real-time tracking feature, responders knew precisely where to go, even though the staff member was not visible. Had we not had the crisis alert system, no one would have known that our employee was in medical distress and that emergency responders might not have arrived on time.

As Dr. Trevor Greene, our superintendent, highlighted in his recent op-ed in The Seattle Times, we cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to the safety of our children. Dr. Greene knows this all too well, having personally experienced the impacts of violence.

In his op-ed, he shared a personal story: his own son, a high school senior in our district, was confined to his classroom as police responded to a triple homicide just blocks away. Two years earlier, the same son was practicing with his track team when a 16-year-old was tragically shot and killed nearby in a gang-related incident. These deeply personal experiences drive Dr. Greene’s commitment to ensuring that every student and staff member in Yakima is protected.

But our commitment to safety goes beyond quick response systems. While the ability to lock down a school within seconds is a powerful tool, we recognize that true safety requires a multifaceted approach.

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This is why YSD has partnered with the Yakima Police Department through the Handle With Care program. Under this initiative, if a police officer responds to a situation at a student’s home, our district is notified.

School leadership, including principals and counselors, are then made aware, so they can offer extra support to the student if needed. This might mean providing a quiet space, offering more patience, or simply being mindful of behavioral changes that could signal deeper emotional or psychological stress.

Since the launch of this program, it has proven essential. In just the first three years, YSD staff members have been alerted to over 4,000 police responses involving students in our district.

The majority of these interactions stem from domestic violence incidents. Data shows that younger students, particularly those in second grade, have been the most impacted.

These numbers are a sobering reminder that many students carry heavy emotional burdens, and schools must be equipped to offer both safety and compassion.

Safety should never be a privilege tied to wealth. Unfortunately, the current funding model for schools, which is largely based on local property values, creates disparities. This means that some districts are able to invest in advanced safety technologies while others cannot.

But safety is not a luxury — it’s a right. No matter where they live, all students deserve the opportunity to learn in a secure environment.

Yakima School District stands at the forefront of safety measures. By equipping all staff members with the ability to act swiftly and empowering them with proactive tools like our crisis alert system, we ensure that our schools remain as safe as we can make them for learning.

Our commitment goes beyond responding to emergencies; we also focus on prevention and support. Whether through mental health resources, community partnerships, or addressing the root causes of violence, our goal is not just to protect students today but to create a foundation for a safer, healthier future.

As we reflect on the tragic events in Georgia, it’s important to recognize the work being done here in Yakima. We are fortunate to have systems in place that not only enhance security but also foster a supportive environment for students impacted by violence.

Still, we must remain vigilant. School safety is not a one-time investment; it requires ongoing attention, resources, and a commitment from everyone — educators, law enforcement, families and the community.

Together, we can continue to build a safer future for all of our students.

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Sara Cordova is director of safety and security for the Yakima School District.

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