Free Checklist Included to Help You Secure Your Campus Today
In a time of global instability and growing domestic threats, protecting our students has never been more urgent. Whether you lead a Christian school, Jewish academy, charter network, or private institution, the call is clear: you need the right school security resources in place—and you need them now.
From mass violence and terrorism to local threats and social media-fueled hate, schools have become vulnerable targets. This guide breaks down the essential tools, technologies, partnerships, and planning frameworks every school must have in place to prepare for the upcoming year.
And at the end, you can download a free, actionable School Security Checklist to assess your readiness today.
Why School Security Resources Are Critical in 2025
The global and domestic threat environment is intensifying:
Thousands of individuals with unknown backgrounds have crossed into the U.S. in recent years via an open southern border. Intelligence reports confirm the presence of terror-linked operatives among them. Anti-Israel and anti-religious rhetoric—fueled by biased media coverage—has emboldened hate groups and increased the risk of attacks against Christian and Jewish schools. Wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe have empowered state-sponsored terrorist organizations with the intent and capability to target American institutions.
As Matt Pasquinilli, a national school security expert, says:
“We must harden our campuses before the threat reaches the door. A soft target is a chosen target. A prepared school is a protected one.”
This summer is your window. Use it to prepare.
Five Essential School Security Resources You Should Implement Now
1. Threat Assessments and Physical Security Audits
A robust security program begins with an expert-led audit of your school’s vulnerabilities. These assessments evaluate:
Access points and visitor controls Surveillance camera placement Emergency exits and lockdown protocols Response timelines and communication systems
Top Resources:
CISA K-12 School Security Guide Guardian Group Matt Pasquinilli – Faith-Based School Security Consulting
2. Staff Training & Crisis Response Readiness
Your best technology is useless if your people don’t know how to respond. Summer is the time to:
Train staff in active shooter protocols Practice lockdown, evacuation, and reunification drills Offer trauma medical training (e.g., Stop the Bleed) Run tabletop scenarios with leadership and first responders
Training Solutions:
ALICE Training FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute Customized training from Matt Pasquinilli, tailored to faith-based schools
3. Modern Surveillance & Access Control Systems
Upgrade your school’s physical and digital defenses:
Install cloud-based, AI-powered security cameras Use smart badge or fob entry for staff and volunteers Limit entry points and reinforce perimeter gates Integrate panic buttons and lockdown triggers
Tools to Explore:
Verkada for AI security Raptor Technologies for visitor screening Centegix for instant crisis alerts
4. Behavioral Threat Monitoring and OSINT Tools
Many attacks are preventable with the right monitoring in place. Behavioral threat assessments combined with Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools can help identify warning signs.
Use OSINT to:
Monitor online chatter mentioning your school Detect student or visitor red flags early Coordinate with law enforcement on suspicious activity
Trusted Tools:
Social Sentinel Echosec, Maltego, and Google Alerts OSINT integration consultations by Matt Pasquinilli
5. Community Partnerships and Law Enforcement Integration
Security is not a solo mission. Collaborate with:
Local police departments and school resource officers County emergency management teams DHS, InfraGard, and regional fusion centers Faith-based security coalitions like SCN (for Jewish schools)
These relationships provide real-time intelligence, emergency coordination, and outside support when it matters most.
Special Considerations for Faith-Based Schools
Christian and Jewish schools are specifically targeted in ideologically driven attacks. If you serve a faith-based community:
Build denomination-specific threat protocols Conduct perimeter penetration tests and religious event risk reviews Provide armed or unarmed security during worship, pickup, and drop-off windows Educate your staff on current geopolitical risks and faith-targeted threats
Use Summer Wisely: Your School Security Action Plan
Here’s how to get started this summer:
Conduct a campus-wide security audit Upgrade access control and surveillance technology Schedule all-staff emergency training and drills Establish a direct liaison with local law enforcement Create a written crisis management plan with tabletop exercises
✅ Free Download: School Security Readiness Checklist
To help you get started, we’re offering a free downloadable checklist with the essential action items every school should complete before the new school year begins.
👉 Click here to download your FREE School Security Checklist
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your current strategy, this guide gives you a clear path to gold standard school security.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your School Before It’s Too Late
The world is on fire—and the heat is reaching our doorsteps. What you do this summer could save lives in the fall.
Now is the time to act with intention, clarity, and courage. As Matt Pasquinilli reminds school leaders across the country:
“Hope is not a security plan. Preparation is.”
If you need help implementing any of the tools or strategies mentioned above, reach out today to schedule a consultation and get the support your school deserves.