In a significant step toward enhancing safety in educational environments, Verkada, a leader in cloud-based physical security solutions, unveiled its School Safety Advisory Board on June 3, 2025.
This initiative aims to leverage the expertise of esteemed figures in the field of school safety, providing guidance on best practices tailored for K-12 and higher education institutions across the nation.
With safety being a persistent issue in schools, the formation of this advisory board comes as a timely response to the pressing need for comprehensive safety measures.
Verkada, which already boasts a presence in over 6,500 districts and schools, serving nearly 20 million students, is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the quest to create secure learning spaces.
The company’s Vice President of Public Affairs & Global Communications, Alana O’Grady Lauk, emphasized that ensuring a safe educational environment extends beyond technology. It requires collaboration, trust, and a wealth of knowledge.
“Creating safe learning environments requires more than just technology — it demands partnership, trust, and deep expertise,” she said, highlighting Verkada’s commitment to fostering collaboration with safety leaders.
The advisory board is composed of notable figures who bring decades of experience in school safety and emergency response.
Among them is Frank DeAngelis, the former principal of Columbine High School, whose personal experience with school violence has propelled him into a national advocacy role for school safety. He founded The DeAngelis Foundation, which focuses on providing evidence-based training centered on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
His insights will be invaluable as Verkada seeks to address the complex challenges surrounding school safety.
Joining him is Pat Hamilton, the Alliance Director for The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to standardizing crisis response protocols in schools. Hamilton’s extensive experience in the education sector, including 23 years in various leadership roles within a school district, positions him to provide a unique perspective on the integration of safety practices in educational settings.
The board also includes Ben Fernandez, a seasoned professional with a background in mental and behavioral health programs. As the Director at Safe and Sound Schools, Fernandez advocates for crisis prevention and response strategies that protect students daily.
His experience as a school psychologist and crisis intervention specialist will further inform Verkada’s initiatives, ensuring that mental health considerations are woven into discussions about safety.
This diverse group of leaders reflects a shared mission: to identify and tackle the most urgent safety issues facing schools today.
“This board is committed to helping schools prepare for and respond to today’s complex safety challenges,” DeAngelis stated, underscoring the importance of a community-wide effort that includes educators, families, law enforcement, and technology partners.
The establishment of the School Safety Advisory Board is not merely a symbolic gesture; it represents a strategic move to enhance Verkada’s existing partnerships with organizations like Safe and Sound Schools and The “I Love U Guys” Foundation.
These collaborations are designed to empower educators and school communities, equipping them with the resources and knowledge necessary to navigate safety concerns effectively.
Verkada’s innovative approach to security technology — featuring products such as video security cameras, access control systems, environmental sensors, alarms, and intercoms — is underpinned by an integrated, cloud-based software platform.
This design ensures that safety measures can be managed efficiently across various educational settings.
With over 30,000 organizations globally, including 91 of the Fortune 500 companies, placing their trust in Verkada, it is clear that the company has established itself as a key player in the realm of physical security.
As the advisory board convenes, the spotlight will be on how these experts will collaborate to refine Verkada’s safety initiatives, ensuring they are informed by real-world needs and challenges.
The road to enhancing school safety is complex and multifaceted, but with experienced leaders at the helm, there is hope that innovative solutions will emerge.
In a nation where the safety of students has become a paramount concern, Verkada’s proactive steps to engage with seasoned professionals signal a commitment to creating a safer future for educational institutions.
The School Safety Advisory Board is more than just a panel of experts; it represents a collective effort to redefine what safety means in schools, emphasizing that every child deserves the right to learn in a secure environment.
As this initiative unfolds, educators, students, and families alike will be watching closely, hopeful for a future where safety is not just a priority but a reality in schools across the country.
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