School security is a critical topic that impacts students, teachers, staff, and parents alike. A safe school environment not only ensures the physical protection of those on campus but also fosters an atmosphere conducive to learning and growth. As schools face increasing safety concerns, it’s vital to adopt robust security measures that comply with state and federal regulations. This blog explores key strategies for enhancing school security, important takeaways for school administrators, and the legal framework shaping school safety.

The Importance of School Security

Modern schools must balance being welcoming and accessible while maintaining high levels of security. Safety concerns can range from theft and vandalism to more serious threats such as active shooter incidents. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans, comprehensive school security measures are necessary to protect students and staff and to ensure continuity of education during emergencies.

In recent years, public and private schools alike have increased investments in security systems, personnel, and training programs. These measures not only mitigate potential risks but also improve community confidence in the school’s ability to provide a secure environment.

Federal and State Standards for School Security

When designing and implementing school security protocols, schools must comply with various state and federal guidelines, including:

1. The Gun-Free Schools Act (GFSA): This federal law requires all schools receiving federal funding to adopt policies that prohibit firearms on campus, with specific exceptions for law enforcement.

2. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): This legislation emphasizes the importance of safe and supportive school environments as part of comprehensive education plans.

3. State-Level School Safety Plans: Most states mandate schools to develop emergency operation plans (EOPs) that include procedures for natural disasters, active shooter scenarios, and other emergencies. For example, California’s Education Code Section 32280-32289 requires public schools to develop comprehensive safety plans tailored to local needs.

4. Federal Commission on School Safety Recommendations: After the tragic 2018 Parkland shooting, the Federal Commission released a report recommending advanced security measures such as controlled access points, visitor management systems, and mental health support.

Understanding and integrating these standards into school policies is crucial for compliance and the overall effectiveness of security measures.

Best Practices for School Security

1. Professional Security Personnel

Hiring trained security personnel is one of the most visible and effective ways to enhance school safety. Guards stationed at entrances not only deter unauthorized access but also serve as first responders in emergencies.

2. Surveillance Systems

Installing security cameras at key locations, such as entry points, hallways, and parking lots, can help monitor activity in real time and provide valuable evidence if an incident occurs. Modern systems with AI capabilities can even detect unusual behavior and alert authorities automatically.

3. Access Control Measures

Controlled access points, such as locked doors with keycards, biometric scanners, or visitor check-in systems, ensure that only authorized individuals can enter the premises. These measures significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

4. Emergency Preparedness Training

Regular drills for students and staff help ensure everyone knows what to do in case of emergencies. Training should include evacuation procedures, lockdown protocols, and active shooter response strategies.

5. Community Involvement and Mental Health Support

Building a culture of safety involves more than physical measures. Schools should work with parents, local law enforcement, and mental health professionals to create a supportive environment that addresses potential threats before they escalate.

Additional Takeaways for School Administrators

1. Layered Security is Essential

A comprehensive approach to school security involves multiple layers of protection, from perimeter fencing and lighting to advanced technology and human oversight. Relying on a single solution is insufficient; a combination of measures ensures maximum safety.

2. Stay Current with Regulations

School administrators must remain updated on changing state and federal safety requirements. Partnering with legal experts or consultants can help ensure compliance and avoid costly oversights.

3. Invest in Technology

Modern security technologies, such as facial recognition software, panic alert systems, and cloud-based surveillance, offer cutting-edge solutions for schools. While these investments can be costly, they provide long-term value and enhanced safety.

4. Involve the Community in Security Planning

Engaging with parents, teachers, and students during the development of security protocols ensures a more inclusive and effective approach. Open communication can also alleviate fears and build trust.

5. Evaluate and Update Regularly

Security is an evolving field. Regular audits and updates to security plans are essential to address new challenges and incorporate the latest innovations

With the rise of on-demand delivery services like Amazon, Uber Eats, and DoorDash, modern conveniences have reached even the most traditional of settings — our schools. While these services add efficiency and ease to daily life, they also introduce an overlooked security risk that schools, especially Christian schools prioritizing a safe, faith-based learning environment, must address.

Every day, delivery drivers arrive at school entrances to drop off packages, meals, and supplies. It’s become so routine that many schools now expect these visits as part of their daily operations. But herein lies the problem: How do you tell a legitimate delivery driver from someone with nefarious intent?

Why Delivery Drivers Pose a Security Risk

Disguises are one of the oldest tricks in the book for gaining unauthorized access to secure areas, and schools are no exception. Think about it — a reflective vest, a box in hand, and a confident stride are often all it takes to blend in as a delivery driver. Without stringent security protocols, an individual with harmful intent could pose as a driver, approach the school, and potentially gain access to areas where students, teachers, and staff are present.

Schools often have procedures in place for visitors, volunteers, and even parents, but delivery drivers are frequently overlooked. Packages and meals arrive throughout the day, sometimes during the busiest moments, creating a perfect opportunity for someone to bypass the system.

In Christian schools, where the emphasis is often on fostering a safe, welcoming environment rooted in love and faith, the presence of a stranger at the door may not immediately trigger alarm. This approachability is part of what makes faith-based education so unique, but it also increases the importance of having strong security measures in place.

How Schools Can Mitigate This Risk

To protect students, staff, and the integrity of Christian education, schools must take proactive measures to reduce the risk posed by delivery drivers. Here are six effective strategies to improve school security and maintain a safe learning environment.

1️⃣ Create a Secure, Designated Drop-Off Area

The most effective way to reduce delivery-based threats is to establish a clearly marked, secure drop-off point outside the school’s main entrance. This area should be positioned in front of locked doors, ensuring that drivers can leave packages or meals without ever entering the building. Clear signage can direct delivery personnel on where to place items, and this simple step prevents them from approaching staff or students directly.

2️⃣ Leverage Video Intercoms and Security Cameras

Install surveillance cameras and a video intercom system at the designated delivery area. This allows front-office staff or security personnel to see, speak with, and verify the identity of delivery drivers before accepting a package. The presence of cameras alone serves as a deterrent, and intercoms add a layer of control over who approaches the building.

3️⃣ Restrict Access and Require Identification

Schools should require delivery drivers to provide identification if they need to enter the building for any reason. However, to reduce this risk entirely, schools should minimize the need for drivers to enter at all. For Christian schools with fewer resources for security staffing, implementing a “no driver entry” policy is an affordable, effective solution.

4️⃣ Train Office Staff to Recognize and Report Suspicious Behavior

All school office staff should be trained to identify behaviors that seem unusual or out of place. If a “delivery driver” seems unfamiliar, overly assertive, or unable to provide basic information about the package they’re delivering, it should raise a red flag. Training can also include visual cues that distinguish legitimate delivery personnel from potential impostors.

5️⃣ Establish Policies for Food and Meal Deliveries

Food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash are a growing trend in many schools, especially for students ordering meals. Schools should develop a clear policy about how student meal deliveries are handled. Should students be allowed to order food during the day? If so, where should it be delivered, and how should the driver be handled upon arrival? For security purposes, Christian schools may choose to limit or restrict personal food deliveries entirely.

6️⃣ Communicate with Parents and Vendors

Many of the risks associated with deliveries stem from well-meaning parents and vendors who unknowingly create vulnerabilities. Schools should send clear, written policies to parents, letting them know where deliveries should be made and emphasizing that students should not have outside meals delivered during school hours. Vendors should also be informed of the school’s secure delivery procedures to avoid confusion.

Christian School Security: A Higher Calling

Security in Christian schools isn’t just about protecting students — it’s about safeguarding the mission, values, and community of faith-based education. While compassion, grace, and openness are essential to Christian education, they must be balanced with caution and preparedness.

As school security expert Matt Pasquinilli often reminds school leaders, “The greatest threat to student safety is the belief that ‘it could never happen here.’” Christian schools must avoid this mindset and actively address security vulnerabilities, including the potential for unauthorized entry by disguised delivery personnel.

Every individual at a school entrance — whether wearing a uniform, carrying a package, or holding a food delivery bag — represents an opportunity to either reinforce security or expose a weakness. By taking the simple steps outlined above, schools can close this security gap while still fostering a welcoming atmosphere for students, parents, and trusted visitors.

Final Thoughts

The rise of on-demand delivery services is a sign of the times, and like all societal shifts, it requires schools to adapt. No school — public, private, or Christian — is immune to the risks posed by strangers approaching the building. With intentional planning and the implementation of proactive security measures, schools can maintain the balance between hospitality and safety.

If you’re a school administrator, teacher, or parent, consider asking:

• Does our school have a clear, designated drop-off area for packages and food?

• Are delivery drivers being screened or recorded when they arrive?

• Are staff and security teams trained to recognize potential threats from disguised individuals?

Protecting students is a collective effort, and with modern threats constantly evolving, school security policies must do the same. By staying one step ahead, Christian schools can ensure they remain places of faith, learning, and — most importantly — safety.

As technology evolves, so do the threats schools face. Drones, once seen as toys or tools for industry, are now a growing concern for school security. Their ability to fly quickly, quietly, and discreetly makes them difficult to detect and even harder to stop. For schools, this presents a new kind of risk that requires advanced strategies to address.

School security expert Matt Pasquinilli has been vocal about the emerging threat that drones pose to educational environments. As someone deeply involved in helping schools create safer learning spaces, Pasquinilli emphasizes the need for proactive measures to counter this evolving threat. In this post, we’ll explore the potential dangers of drones, how artificial intelligence (AI) makes them even more dangerous, and what can be done to mitigate these risks.

How Drones Threaten School Security

Drones introduce unique security risks that traditional measures—like fences, cameras, and locked doors—are not equipped to handle. Here are some of the key threats drones pose to school security:

1. Spying and Surveillance

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can fly over school grounds and capture footage of student movements, security protocols, and school layouts. This footage can be used to plan break-ins or other criminal activities. Unlike people on the ground, drones don’t have to cross fences or checkpoints, giving bad actors a clear, unrestricted view of the school.

2. Delivery of Dangerous or Illegal Items

Drones can be used to deliver contraband directly onto school grounds. Weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items can be dropped into courtyards, playgrounds, or even into open windows. Since the drone doesn’t have to pass through security, this method bypasses many of the physical safeguards schools rely on.

3. Weaponization of Drones

While less common, the possibility of weaponized drones is a real concern. Drones can be modified to carry explosives, chemical agents, or other dangerous payloads. Unlike traditional weapons, a drone can approach from above, making it harder to track or intercept.

4. Disruption and Panic

Even a non-weaponized drone flying over a school can cause significant disruption. Students and staff may feel threatened or afraid, especially if the drone is loud or behaving unpredictably. Evacuations or lockdowns caused by drone sightings can disrupt learning and create unnecessary panic.

According to Matt Pasquinilli, one of the most important steps schools can take is to recognize the psychological impact of these threats. While physical harm is a major concern, fear and anxiety among students and staff can be just as damaging to the learning environment.

The Role of AI in the Drone Threat

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes drones smarter, faster, and more independent. Traditional drones require human operators, but AI allows drones to operate autonomously. This means they can identify landmarks, track people, and even recognize faces or specific objects without human input.

AI also enables drones to navigate more effectively, avoiding obstacles and flying in complex environments. This makes it harder to predict or block their paths. For schools, this means a drone with malicious intent could enter school grounds undetected, navigate around physical barriers, and deliver harmful payloads without ever being spotted.

Matt Pasquinilli emphasizes the urgency of staying ahead of AI-driven threats. He notes that as drones become smarter, they also become harder to counter. “It’s not just about spotting the drone,” Pasquinilli says. “It’s about understanding how AI allows these machines to make decisions on their own. Schools need to prepare for that shift.”

What Schools Can Do to Mitigate Drone Threats

Addressing the threat of drones requires both proactive planning and advanced technology. While schools may be limited in what they can do legally, there are still several measures they can take.

1. Drone Detection Systems

The first step in defending against drones is knowing they’re there. Drone detection systems use radar, cameras, and other sensors to detect the presence of a drone in the area. Once detected, school security personnel can respond appropriately. However, identifying the drone is only half the battle. The next challenge is figuring out how to stop it.

2. Drone Jamming and Interference

Certain systems can “jam” a drone’s signal, causing it to lose connection with its operator and land. However, this approach has legal limitations. Federal law restricts the use of signal jamming devices, and schools are generally not authorized to use them. The Aircraft Sabotage Act (18 U.S.C. § 32) classifies drones as aircraft, and destroying or interfering with an aircraft is a federal crime.

3. Physical Barriers and Enclosures

While drones can fly over fences, enclosed spaces like atriums, covered walkways, or other barriers can limit where drones can operate. Installing coverings over playgrounds or courtyards may reduce the risk of drone delivery of contraband or harmful items.

4. Legal Advocacy and Policy Changes

Schools can advocate for changes to federal and state laws that give them more authority to counter drone threats. Currently, only federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have the power to take down a drone. Changes to these laws could give local authorities and school officials more flexibility in protecting their campuses.

5. Training and Awareness

Training staff to recognize drone threats is a low-cost but effective strategy. Matt Pasquinilli stresses that schools must treat drones as a legitimate part of modern threat assessments. If staff know what to look for—like unfamiliar sounds or small flying objects overhead—they can act quickly to prevent further escalation.

The Legal Dilemma: Why Schools Can’t Shoot Down Drones

Many people assume that the simple solution to a drone threat is to shoot it down. However, federal law prohibits this. Under the Aircraft Sabotage Act (18 U.S.C. § 32), drones are classified as aircraft. This means it’s a federal crime to damage, disable, or destroy them without proper authorization.

This law applies to schools, school security teams, and even local law enforcement. Without federal authorization, no one is legally allowed to shoot, jam, or disable a drone, even if it poses a security risk. Only certain federal agencies, like the Department of Homeland Security, have the authority to take action.

This legal restriction puts schools in a difficult position. They can detect drones and report them, but they can’t do much to stop them. This is why school security experts like Matt Pasquinilli are pushing for legal changes that would give local school officials more authority to respond to these threats.

Final Thoughts

The threat of drones to school security is not something to ignore. These devices can spy, deliver harmful items, and even carry weapons. With AI making drones smarter and harder to stop, schools must be prepared. While federal laws limit what schools can do to counter drones, there are still steps that can be taken, like installing drone detection systems, advocating for changes in the law, and training staff to recognize potential threats.

School security expert Matt Pasquinilli continues to lead the conversation on this issue, calling for schools to adopt a more proactive stance. As technology evolves, so must our approach to security. Schools have long focused on securing doors, windows, and entry points. Now, it’s time to look up.

By adopting smart strategies, leveraging detection technology, and advocating for legal change, schools can better protect students and staff from drone-related threats. School security consultants play a key role in this process, helping schools develop comprehensive plans that include the latest in drone threat mitigation.

If your school is concerned about drone threats, working with a school security consultant like Matt Pasquinilli can provide insight, training, and access to the latest security tools. The future of school security is changing—and schools must be ready to meet the challenge.