IDentifying Needs and crafting Solutions
In the realm of educational infrastructure, ensuring the safety and security of school facilities is essential. As school districts in Oregon navigate the requirements of the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) program, it’s crucial to distinguish between a complete Safety and Security Facility Audit and the TAP Grant/Facility Assessment. While both assessments aim to enhance school environments, they differ significantly in scope, methodology, and outcomes.
TAP Grant/Facility Assessment: A Foundation for Capital Improvement
The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) Grant, administered by the Oregon Department of Education, is designed to help school districts plan for capital improvements and expansions. This program includes several types of assessments, such as Facilities Condition Assessments, Long-Range Facility Planning, Seismic Assessments, and Environmental Hazard Assessments.
The TAP Grant Assessments focus on:
Deferred Maintenance: Identifying and prioritizing maintenance needs to ensure the longevity of school facilities.
Seismic Risks: Evaluating the structural integrity of buildings to withstand earthquakes.
Environmental Hazards: Assessing potential risks such as radon, asbestos, and lead to ensure a healthy learning environment.
Long-Range Planning: Developing comprehensive plans that align with future enrollment projections and community needs.
A key aspect of the TAP-based Facility Assessment is the use of the Facility Condition Index (FCI) to score and identify needs. The scoring is a series of checklists to cover criteria in the state assessment and paperwork. This scoring system helps in prioritizing maintenance and improvement projects. However, the actual implementation of these projects often depends on the availability of funds, which may require inclusion in a bond program. Community-based committees play a crucial role in determining these priorities and informing district decisions.
Safety and Security Facility Audit: A Comprehensive Approach
In contrast, a complete Safety and Security Facility Audit, especially when conducted following Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and National Institute of Crime Prevention (NICP) guidelines, offers a more holistic and proactive approach to school safety.
Key components of a Safety and Security Facility Audit include:
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): This approach focuses on designing school environments that naturally deter criminal behavior. It includes strategies such as natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance.
Security Assessments: Evaluating existing security measures, such as surveillance systems, access controls, and emergency response protocols, to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.
Behavioral Assessments: Understanding the social dynamics within the school to identify potential threats and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Community Involvement: Engaging with students, staff, and the community to foster a culture of safety and vigilance.
Unlike the TAP Grant/Facility Assessment, the Safety and Security Facility Audit provides measured data with actionable solutions that are associated with actual projected real-world costs for improvements. This can be advantageous as it allows district leaders to address certain areas of concern using general funding, rather than waiting for inclusion in a potential bond program. The goal is to equip district leaders with the information and resources needed to make immediate and impactful improvements today, while being able to plan for the future.
Scott Rose, a leading expert in school safety, emphasizes the thoroughness of these audits: “A Safety and Security Facility Audit goes beyond the visual assessment of buildings. It integrates behavioral insights and community engagement to create a truly secure and supportive learning environment.”
Why Choose a Safety and Security Facility Audit?
While the TAP Grant/Facility Assessment provides a solid foundation for addressing physical and environmental concerns, a Safety and Security Facility Audit offers a more comprehensive and proactive approach to school safety. By incorporating CPTED training and NICP guidelines, these audits not only address immediate security needs but also foster a long-term culture of safety and prevention.
Learn more about Safety and Security Facility Audits here: BLOG: How a Proactive Safety and Security Facility Audit Can Benefit School Districts — R&C Management Group, LLC (randcmanagement.com)
At R&C Management Group, we pride ourselves in empowering Oregon and Washington districts with the expertise and tools needed to create safe and secure learning environments. R&C can support districts in incorporating TAP Facility Assessment Grants and Safety and Security Safety Audits to inform Long-Range Facility Planning. Our commitment to thorough and comprehensive audits ensures that schools are not only compliant with state requirements but also equipped to handle the evolving challenges of school safety.