Shaping the future of school security through community collaboration

Oct 23 2025

The topic of school security continues to be an ongoing conversation for Maize Board of Education members, district leaders, and community members. In preparation for their next school board meeting on Nov. 10, they have requested additional information on some potential security enhancements and will observe the use of a portable weapons-detection system in a neighboring school district. School board leaders also are hosting a Community Conversation about School Security on Oct. 30, and you can read more about that below.

These steps continue the important work supporting school security in Maize USD 266, including efforts that have taken place since 2022. These include seven total school resource officers, the district’s crisis plan and response protocols, security cameras, electronic access control, visitor screening management, and panic alarm systems. The school board’s important discussion about school security will continue at their November meeting and beyond.

During the Oct. 13 school board meeting, members discussed results from the recent school security survey, which gathered feedback from 1,667 parents, employees, and high school students. You can click here to view the full presentation of results. Key survey findings include the following:

48 percent said current security measures are adequate.
52 percent feel schools are safe.
71 percent believe new safety measures would increase their sense of safety.
50 percent oppose clear backpacks.
65 percent support random portable weapons detection screenings.
71 percent support daily use of weapons detection screenings.
49 percent support AI security screening software.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and shared written responses. Common themes from open comment submissions included addressing bullying and threats; enforcing discipline; timeliness of incident communication; expanding mental health resources and prevention measures; concerns for cost and staffing; and maintaining high-quality drills and training.

During the meeting, Executive Director of Health, Safety, and Prevention Tim Brant and Maize Police Chief Jeff Weible provided a joint update on the district’s layered approach to school security. They emphasized how systems work together to strengthen protection and minimize single points of failure. They also reinforced the importance of mental health intervention and reporting systems, including Speak Up! Maize USD 266 has recently added Mental Health Intervention Team members, additional school counselors and social workers, and threat assessment training and protocols to respond to reported concerns.

Last week, Superintendent Dr. Raquel Greer continued the conversation with her Superintendent Student Advisory Team, which includes high school student leaders. Students shared thoughtful feedback about communication during safety incidents, potential security enhancements, and overall campus safety.

The Superintendent Student Advisory Team also plans to present their thoughts to school board members on this topic. Updates will also be shared with the district’s Facilities Steering Committee as part of long-range planning. Watch for the next article in Maize Pulse following the November school board meeting for continued updates about this important topic.

Thank you parents, employees, community partners, and students for your honesty, insights, and collaboration as we work together to keep our schools secure and ensure Maize continues to provide supportive environments for learning.

You are invited: Oct. 30 Maize USD 266 Board of Education Community Conversation about School Security

Following the recent school security survey and before the Nov. 10 school board meeting, Maize Board of Education leaders are interested in discussing school security further with community members. You are invited to the Community Conversation about School Security at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center (MPAAC).

School board President Andrew Johnson and Vice President Kerry Fellows will host this session to hear directly from community members. The session provides an opportunity for sharing thoughts and concerns, asking questions, and engaging in open discussion about the district’s current security measures and potential ways to further strengthen and add security measures in our schools.