New Director of Safety & Security
We are pleased to welcome James Bass as our new Director of Safety & Security. James is a familiar face and brings strong previous experience to this role as a former Security Specialist in our district. Please take a moment to read his bio and introduction here.
Incident Command System (ICS)
Safety is our top priority, and we prepare for emergencies the same way first responders do—by using the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a nationally recognized structure that clearly defines roles and information flow so that schools, district leaders, and first responders all speak the same language in a crisis. This ensures decisions are quick, coordinated, and effective.
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
Durango School District follows the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a simple, common framework used nationwide. Every staff member has a card listing the SRPs on the back of their ID badge, and every classroom has a red SRP flipbook. The five actions are:
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Hold – Stay where you are, keep hallways clear (ex: medical emergency in hall)
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Secure – Bring everyone inside, lock doors, continue learning (ex: bear in a tree outside)
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Lockdown – Lock doors, lights out, stay silent and out of sight (ex: bear inside school)
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Evacuate – Move to a safe location (ex: gas leak)
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Shelter – Take protective action (ex: severe storm)
School drills
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Fire drills: held monthly at all schools.
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Lockdown drills: held twice a year at all schools. Law enforcement inspects rooms during these drills, followed by a debrief with school leaders, law enforcement, and security staff.
The next district-wide drill is scheduled for October. For younger students, staff are encouraged to use calm, reassuring language such as: “This is like a fire drill—something we practice to stay safe, not something to be afraid of.”
Emergency communication
In any emergency, communication with staff, families, and sometimes students is built into our response. Our district's Public Information Officer uses the Finalsite platform to send calls, texts, and emails. In a serious, ongoing situation, families will receive updates at least every 30 minutes.
Training and practice
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District leaders are FEMA-trained in multihazard planning.
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Our Incident Command team practices tabletop exercises to prepare for coordinated response.
Safe2Tell Colorado
Safe2Tell Colorado is an anonymous way for students, parents, and community members to report unsafe behavior before it escalates.
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Call toll-free: (877) 542-7233 (SAFE).
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Reports are anonymous and protected by Colorado law.