GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Green Bay Area Public School District’s school safety and security coordinator has been recognized as the state’s 2021 Coordinator of the Year.
The award is presented annually to a WSSCA member committed to vision, leadership and excellence in the field of school safety in the State of Wisconsin. The award includes $1,000 to use toward the District’s school safety program.
Chris Collar was nominated for his efforts in managing changes related to $2 million in grants the district received following the shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“The things that we used the money for to enhance our buildings was related to overall security [like] cameras, and window film that prevents windows from shattering if someone is trying to force their way into the building. It helps the integrity of the glass,” Collar said. “Security cameras on the inside and outside of our schools, with the focus being on our elementaries that did not have a lot of cameras to start with. We also increased the number of portable radios that we had within our buildings, so that people within the schools could communicate with each other.”
The district also saw improved PA systems with speakers inside and outside of school buildings. There’s also a new, upgraded ID badge system that includes visitor software to manage and monitor when people are in the buildings.
The grants also funded training, like trauma-informed care for staff and A.L.I.C.E.-style active shooter training for students.
“In the wake of this pandemic, mental health is one of the most important things that people are talking about. Whether it’s student mental health or parent mental health, everyone being isolated like they are has not made the situation any better,” Collar told WTAQ News. “As we start to come back to school, we want to make sure that our students are communicating what they’re seeing and what they’re hearing with a trusted individual inside the building.”
Collar says while the physical improvements are still great to have, communication remains key in school safety. Saying something when a person sees or notices something off is still a major factor, even if it’s a preemptive move to get help for someone who might need it.
“The seeing something, saying something, speak up, speak out, where it’s getting the students and the staff more involved and having some ownership. [So] when they see things that are happening, they know who to tell, who to notify,” Collar said. “If they see something that doesn’t look right, we want to make sure that they’re saying something so that [things] can be checked out. For someone that’s struggling, that they know about it. Making sure that they’re trying to get people involved so they can help get the support that they need at that point.”
Green Bay students begin their return to in-person classes on March 1st.
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