Safe Schools Planning

California Education Code (EC) requires that all kindergarten through grade 12 schools develop, update, and adopt a comprehensive school safety plan (CSSP) annually, and forward the CSSP to the school district or county office of education for approval.

Statewide School Comprehensive School Safety Planning September 15, 2022 (Video; 40:17)
This webinar reviews legislative requirements and recommendations of EC 32280-32289.5, timelines for adoption and approval of the CSSPs, considerations for collaborating with law enforcement, and emergency management information.

Senate Bill 541 on School Lockdown Drills and Multioption Response Drills: Report to the Governor and Legislature(DOCX)
Information on statewide survey findings and best practice recommendations regarding age-appropriate emergency response drills in California K-12 schools, districts, and county offices of education.

Assembly Bill 1747 on Comprehensive School Safety Plans
Best practice considerations and resources for reviewing and approving plans.

Compliance Tool for Comprehensive School Safety Plans (DOCX)
All California public schools kindergarten and grades one through twelve must develop a comprehensive school safety plan, per California Education Code sections 32280-32289.5 . This tool provides a list of required contents to assist schools in creating a compliant plan.

School Safety Elements and Resources
Information intended to help schools identify elements and resources important in improving school climate and safety.

Improving Collaboration on School Safety Issues
Suggestions for working with students, parents, community residents, and law enforcement personnel.

Annual Reminder to Update and Adopt Comprehensive School Safety Plans by March 1, 2023 (PDF)
Reminder letter to update and adopt comprehensive school safety plans.

Instructional Continuity and Immigration Enforcement Planning

Instructional Continuity Planning

As part of comprehensive school safety planning, local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to incorporate instructional continuity planning into their CSSPs in accordance with EC Section 32282(a)(3). Instructional continuity planning supports preparedness for maintaining student learning during emergencies or disruptions and aligns with statutory requirements established under Senate Bill 98.

Immigration Enforcement Response and Notification

EC Section 32282(a)(2)(N) requires LEAs to include procedures in their CSSPs for notifying parents, guardians, and caregivers regarding immigration enforcement actions. These procedures should be consistent with state law and California Department of Education (CDE) guidance designed to ensure schools remain safe, welcoming, and supportive environments for all students.

LEAs are encouraged to review CDE’s immigration enforcement resources and ensure staff are familiar with local protocols and points of contact.