Safety & Security

To prioritize the safety and security of our students and staff, Kearney Public Schools uses the nationally recognized I Love You Guys safety protocol:  Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Hold. Emergency preparedness is essential for schools to be safe. The Standard Response Protocol “I Love You Guys” is a common implementation practice throughout the district. Staff and students are trained in uniform classroom response to any incident at school. Weather events, fires, accidents, intruders, and other threats to student safety are scenarios for which our students and staff are trained and prepared. For additional information:  https://iloveuguys.org/

 

 

 Safe2Help is an anonymous reporting system through Boys Town and the State of Nebraska.   You call for a crisis counselor (833-980-7233) or you can download the app to send a text/email anonymously.  

https://safe2helpne.com/

S2H Brochure

Parents Reporting

Students Reporting Concerns Students- Safe2Help

There is a link at the bottom of every webpage that allows students or parents to report bullying in the schools.  CLICK HERE for the form.   

Card Access Control Security Systems are installed in all of our schools. These systems help to ensure that our buildings are protected from intruders both during the school day and after hours.  ID is required to enter the schools.  Names are checked against national registries.

School Resource Officers (SRO) are a vital part of school-based security. With an officer assigned to the high school and another to the middle schools/elementary schools, armed and trained personnel are available to quickly respond as needed throughout our district.  Meet our school resource officers here.

Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) have been installed in all schools. Many staff members are trained at each school location.

Threat assessment protocols are essential so that schools have specific procedures in place to determine the appropriate reaction and safeguards for any reported danger. A team of professionals meets on a regular basis, as mandated by the State, to discuss possible threats and determine actions.

Frequent building-based and district-wide drills and simulations help to ensure that staff and students are prepared to knowledgeably and effectively respond to any emergency.

Annual Security Audits are conducted by the Kearney Police Department and adjustments are made as discovered.

Security Cameras and motion sensors are installed in KPS schools and offices.

Protocol for Cases of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Investigation within Kearney Public Schools

General Information - ICE Agents’ Investigations on Campus

• School districts cannot prevent ICE agents from entering school property
• ICE has the authority to interrogate any suspected alien
• ICE has the authority to arrest any alien believed to be in violation of law
• ICE is authorized to interrogate any alien in the United States if the ICE agent has reason to believe that the alien so arrested is in the United States in violation of any such law or regulation and is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained for their arrest.
• ICE agents cannot compel a school to provide or produce any document or individual (including a student or staff member) without a subpoena or warrant from a court. ICE agents can utilize administrative subpoenas, but they do not have the legal effect of a court-issued order and only apply to the individual suspected of violating federal law.
• ICE agents can also utilize immigration “detainers” in limited circumstances to hold individuals suspected of serious crimes. These detainers are limited to a period of not more than 48 hours and only apply to the individual suspected.
• ICE agents can utilize federal judicial orders or warrants, and schools are required to comply with these judicial orders.  The Superintendent should be contacted immediately if any judicial warrant or order is provided so it can be reviewed with legal counsel to determine if it’s a federal judicial order or an administrative order which is different.

 

Building Action Steps when an ICE agent is on school property

(1) Immediately inform the principal (who will then inform the superintendent) and 

(2) Request that the ICE agent speak directly with the superintendent

(3) Ensure that all documents presented to a school employee are immediately forwarded to the superintendent for legal review

 

Building Action Steps when ICE Requests Student Records

• The school may provide only directory information when requested by ICE. (Student’s name, address, date of enrollment).
• Immediately inform the principal (who will then inform the superintendent)
• Ensure that all documents presented to a school employee are immediately forwarded to the superintendent for legal review
• No other records should be provided unless the parent has consented to the release or federal law contains an exception
• Exception - if a subpoena or court order is presented, the district cannot refuse to provide information           
• No staff member is permitted to disclose any student records to any ICE agent without the prior approval of the superintendent.

 

Building Action Steps when ICE Requests to Speak with an Employee

• Call the Superintendent first if you receive such a request
• ICE can only interrogate a person believed to be an alien. (Ask why they want to interview first)
• If ICE asks an employee, ‘Is student {   } or employee {   } in the country illegally?’, an employee cannot respond to the question under FERPA and confidentiality laws.
• An employee may not disclose any confidential student information during an interview (consult with the superintendent during the interview, if needed)
• Also, Nebraska law prohibits the disclosure of any employee’s personnel file.

 

Building Action Steps when ICE Requests to interview a student

• Call the Superintendent first if you receive such a request.
• A legal review will be conducted, and we will contact the student’s parent, guardian, or responsible caretaker unless child abuse is suspected.
• ICE agents have the right to interview a student suspected to be illegally in the US but must present appropriate documentation (warrants, orders, subpoenas).
• ICE agents must sign the district’s Affidavit to Interview Form. (Same practice as local law officials)
• If an ICE agent requests to interview a student at a different location (not school property), the principal should inform the student’s parent/guardian (unless abuse is suspected). Tell the parent the student was released to a law enforcement officer and the location where the student is being taken. (Use district form Affidavit to Remove Student
• The law enforcement officer has the duty to inform the student’s parent/guardian of the location of the investigation and their child’s location.

 

Media Inquiries

All media inquiries should be referred to the Superintendent and KPS Communications Director: 308-698-8028 or kps@kearneycats.com

 

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We understand that the possibility of ICE investigations can create stress and uncertainty for families and staff members. Please know that Kearney Public Schools prioritizes our students and staff's well-being and privacy while adhering to our legal obligations. Not just now, but at all times, emergency phone contacts are important.  All buildings should prioritize working with our families to develop a clear communication plan, including emergency contacts for every child.  These communication protocols and contacts are vital to every situation.

We will remain committed to our important duty of educating all students and supporting our families in Kearney Public Schools. Thank you for your continued partnership in providing a supportive and secure environment for every student.  Should you have further questions, please review the attached document from the Perry Law Firm, which outlines responsibilities and responses in a number of situations captured in this guidance document.  

 

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Additional Information

• Board Policy 5411
• Affidavits Student Interviews.pdf
• AASA Guidance with Ice Raids 
• Multicultural Coalition:  https://www.mcofgi.org/know-your-rights 

Safety Platform....In a Crisis, Every Second Matters

See Details Here

Parents may be notified of a Reunification in a number of ways. The school or district will use the email, phone calling, and text messaging system to notify families.  Schools may also share the event on the school website and/or social media channels.  

Don't call the school for information. Follow the directive on the email, text, or phone call.
In an emergency, staff at the school are busy keeping students safe. The phone line may be directed to the district Administration Office.

Don't attempt to go to the school.  You will be notified where the relocation will happen.
In an emergency, police will have the school blocked off, so we can safely take students to another location for reunification.
 

Circumstances may occur at the school that require parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release called REUNIFICATION. A reunification may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat event, danger outside the school, or if a crisis occurs at the school. The Standard Reunification Method is a protocol that makes this process more predictable and less chaotic for all involved.

Because a controlled release is not a typical end of school day event, a reunification may occur at a different location than the school a student attends. 

Be patient, reunification takes time.

 

 

If a parent or guardian is notified that a reunification is taking place:

1. Bring identification. This will streamline things during reunification.  During check in, identification and custody rights are confirmed. 

2. Be patient. Reunification takes TIME and is a process that protects both the safety of the student and provides for an accountable change of custody from the school to a recognized custodial parent or guardian.

When a parent can’t immediately go to the reunification site,:

• Students will only be released to individuals previously identified as a student’s emergency contact.
• Otherwise, the school will hold students until parents can pick up their student.

There may be instances where a student may not be allowed to remove a vehicle from the parking lot. In this case, parents are advised to pick-up the student. 

Students are asked not to send text messages either in or out of the school in the reunification area. Keeping the cellular network open is vital during a reunification.

In some cases, parents may be advised that a law enforcement investigation is underway and may be advised that interviews are necessary. In extreme cases, parents may be pulled aside for emergency or medical information.

• Be patient...this will be the HARDEST part of reunification.  We will do our best to reunify you with your child as quickly and safely as we are able.
• If a parent is driving to the school, greater awareness of traffic and emergency vehicles is advised.
• Park where indicated and do not abandon vehicles.  This may impede emergency vehicles from reaching the area.
• Parents are asked to go to the Reunification School and  “Check In”.   There will be long lines.
• While in line, parents are asked to fill out a reunification card.
  • This card is perforated and will be separated during the process with the same information on  the top and bottom of the card.
  • You will need this card to check out your student.
  • In the case of multiple students being reunified, a separate card for each student needs to be completed.