Protecting Our Schools: Key Insights and Resources From SIA’s 2026 K–12 School Security Symposium

Strengthening the safety and security of K–12 schools requires more than just technology. The Security Industry Association (SIA) recently held a Vertical Insights symposium that brought together leading voices in school safety to tackle one of the most consequential challenges facing communities today.

In this virtual event presented by SIA, sponsored by Acre Security and HID and supported by partner organizations the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) and ASIS International, experts convened to discuss the frameworks, standards and technologies that are reshaping how K–12 institutions protect students, staff and visitors. From new standards and guidelines to the growing importance of integrated and human-centered approaches, the discussion reinforced a central theme: effective school security is a coordinated, layered effort built on people, processes and technology.

VIDEO: Vertical Insights K–12 School Security Symposium

A Unified Framework for School Safety

A major focus of the symposium was the alignment between two influential resources: the ASIS School Security Standard and the PASS School Security Guidelines.

Jeff Slotnick of ASIS, president of Setracon and co-chair of the ASIS K–12 School Security Technical Committee—underscored that the new ANSI-approved standard provides “the roadmap… to prevent and mitigate security incidents in schools and create a culture of safety and security.”

Developed over more than two years with contributions from 50 professionals across disciplines—including educators, emergency managers and federal agencies—the standard emphasizes a comprehensive, life-cycle-based approach: planning, implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement.

Importantly, speakers emphasized that these frameworks are not competing.

As Drew Neckar noted, “these are not separate guidance—these are all resources that are moving a school in the right direction.”

The Power of a Layered Security Approach

Central to both PASS and ASIS guidance is the concept of layered security—a strategy that integrates policies, training and technology at every level, from district-wide systems down to classroom doors.

Chuck Wilson, board chair of PASS, explained that security efforts must be applied “starting from the district-wide… right into the core of the classroom,” adding that newer frameworks now include a critical digital layer.

This layered approach encompasses:

• Physical security systems (e.g., access control, surveillance)
• Operational procedures (e.g., visitor management, emergency protocols)
• Training and culture building
• Digital infrastructure and cybersecurity

Wilson emphasized a key lesson learned across the industry:

“Policies, procedures, roles and training is… equally as important to, if not more important than, the technology itself,” he said.

Technology as an Enabler—Not the Solution

While advanced technologies—from artificial intelligence-enabled video analytics to cloud-based access control—are transforming school security capabilities, panelists cautioned against overreliance on tools alone.

Drew Neckar, principal consultant at COSECURE Enterprise Risk Solutions and co-chair of the ASIS K–12 School Security Technical Committee, highlighted a common mistake:

“There’s often this knee-jerk reaction to… buy something… to say we’re doing something,” he said.”

Instead, technology should be deployed strategically to address identified risks. Without alignment to policies, training and operational practices, even the most sophisticated systems can fall short.

Michael Garcia, K–12 safe schools evangelist and vertical director at HID Global and a member of the PASS Advisory Board, reinforced this principle, describing technology as part of a broader ecosystem.

“Cameras, door controls, locks, analytics… these are all tools,” he said. “They all have to be used to mitigate an identified risk.”

Integrating Systems for Real-Time Response

A key technological takeaway from the symposium was the growing importance of unified, interoperable systems.

Modern platforms integrate access control, video surveillance, alarms and communication tools into a single interface, enabling faster and more coordinated responses. Garcia described this as building a “LEGO set” of security components that work together seamlessly.

For example:

• A weapons detection alert can automatically trigger a lockdown
• Security teams gain real-time situational awareness via video feeds
• Responses can be executed across an entire district from a centralized platform

This level of integration supports what Garcia called “command, contain, control, communications”—a framework for minimizing risk and response time.

Expanding the Scope: Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure

One of the most significant updates in recent PASS guidelines is the inclusion of digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Schools are increasingly vulnerable to ransomware and cyberattacks, prompting new recommendations for securing networks, protecting data and ensuring system resilience.

Wilson noted that schools requested more guidance in this area, leading to expanded recommendations on:

• Network security and firewalls
• System interoperability
• Protection of student and staff data

The Critical Role of People and Culture

Despite the focus on systems and standards, speakers consistently returned to one foundational truth: security starts with people.

Training, awareness and culture building are essential to reducing risks—especially those caused by human error.

Creating a culture of safety means:

• Engaging students, staff and parents
• Reinforcing  “see something, say something” behaviors
• Ensuring everyone understands the “why” behind security policies

Addressing the Whole Child: Prevention Through Early Intervention

A particularly powerful theme was the role of behavioral threat assessment and mental health in preventing incidents before they occur.

The ASIS standard includes detailed guidance on behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM)—a structured process for identifying and supporting individuals who may pose a risk.

By integrating mental health support, behavioral monitoring and threat assessment, schools can address root causes and reduce the likelihood of violence.

Practical Improvements: Access Control and Everyday Security

The symposium also spotlighted practical, high-impact measures schools can implement today, including:

• Securing classroom doors (closed and locked during instruction)
• Enhanced visitor management systems with audit trails
• Modern credentialing and multifactor authentication
• Wireless locks for interior doors to expand coverage
• Monitoring and alerts for common vulnerabilities, such as propped doors

Andy Schueller highlighted a common misconception:

“The front door is the most visible vulnerability, but it’s not the only one,” he said.

Moving Forward: From Awareness to Action

Ultimately, the symposium reinforced that achieving safer schools requires collective action, informed decision making and sustained commitment.

Jeff Slotnick captured the responsibility shared by all stakeholders:

“Children do not need to be concerned with the next act of violence,” he said. “It’s our job to… create a culture of safety and security.”

The tools, standards and technologies exist. The challenge—and opportunity—lies in applying them thoughtfully, collaboratively and consistently to protect the environments where students learn and grow.

Missed the webinar? You can watch the full symposium here.

And on June 18, join SIA for another webinar sharing insights from new research into active shooter incidents in schools. Dr. Hunter Martaindale, director of research at the ALERRT Center at Texas State University, will highlight key findings from an in-depth study of school shootings and the protective role of door security and access control in prevention, mitigation and response. Learn more and RSVP here.

SIA’s next Vertical Insights Symposium—focusing on oil and gas security—will take place on June 10. Registration and past event archives are available at on the SIA website.

In creating this blog, content from the Vertical Insights K–12 Security Symposium was summarized using multiple large language models and reviewed by human editors.