Public Schools Under Fire: Auditor Reveals Shortcomings in Emergency Plan Implementation

A recent state audit revealed alarming deficiencies in emergency preparedness among Arizona schools. Not a single school reviewed had fully implemented its emergency operations plans, raising concerns about student safety during emergencies.

The report, presented to state legislators on Tuesday, highlighted that only four out of 47 randomly chosen schools could confirm they conducted all necessary lockdown drills. Auditor General Lindsey Perry emphasized the increased risk to students and staff if required drills are not performed, noting that a lack of preparedness could have dire consequences in crisis situations.

Furthermore, around half of the schools failed to conduct and document mandatory evacuation drills, which are to be held monthly. This oversight could jeopardize the ability of students and staff to exit buildings safely in an emergency.

Other significant issues identified include:

• A scarcity of properly posted safety reference materials in classrooms and assembly areas, heightening the risk of confusion during emergencies.
• Absence of safety materials on school buses, potentially hindering emergency responses.
• Most school districts neglect their annual review of emergency operations procedures, leading to reliance on outdated protocols.

Perry underscored Arizona’s lack of a mechanism to ensure that all schools adhere to emergency operations plan standards, a gap that likely contributed to the deficiencies. Scott Swagerty, director of the Auditor General’s Division of School Audits, noted that better monitoring by state agencies could aid in pinpointing schools needing support.

The audit’s findings are particularly concerning in light of current trends in school violence. Since 2017, there have been 219 school shootings across the country, with 37 occurring just this year. Although Arizona has not experienced fatal incidents on the same scale, various threats have been reported, stressing the importance of well-prepared emergency plans.

The report detailed instances such as an emergency activation at a Douglas school due to a nearby man wielding a knife and significant incidents involving firearms on school grounds. Each incident underscores the urgent need for effective emergency planning.

A critical observation was the failure of many schools to involve law enforcement and emergency agencies in crafting their emergency operations plans, as required by state law. Most plans lacked necessary signatures, indicating a disconnect in collaboration.

Senator Justine Wadsack shared personal insights, referring to her child’s unique needs during an emergency. She highlighted the dire consequences of inadequate planning, emphasizing that vulnerable students require specific attention during evacuations.

The report reveals that accessibility to emergency plans is also problematic, with some staff having difficulty locating essential materials during drills. Representative Kevin Payne expressed concern regarding the insufficient minimum standards for emergency planning, urging a comprehensive review of practices in other states.

The audit calls for a thorough reevaluation of standards to improve school safety measures, considering various existing challenges such as cyber breaches and the need for disaster recovery plans. Ensuring Arizona schools can maintain operations during and after emergencies is critical for safeguarding students and staff alike.