The State School Security Marshal is responsible for enhancing school safety across the Commonwealth by supporting and monitoring school safety and security initiatives, establishing training guidance, managing a statewide school security risk assessment process, and ensuring compliance with the School Safety and Resiliency Act (Senate Bill 1 - 2019).

SCHOOL SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENTS

OSSSM conducts on-site school security reviews across Kentucky using a standardized School Security Risk Assessment Tool.

Local school districts use the tool to identify threats, vulnerabilities, and appropriate safety controls at each school. The School Security Risk Assessment Tool is approved annually by the KCSS Board of Directors and is used by school administrators to support continuous improvement of school safety and security practices.

SUMMARY OF THE SCHOOL SAFETY AND RESILIENCY ACT (SB 1)

The School Safety and Resiliency Act strengthens statewide school safety requirements by:

Establishing statewide expectations for school security planning and reporting
Requiring each school district to designate a School Safety Coordinator and complete the required training
Creating the State School Security Marshal position within the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) to support school safety oversight and risk assessment processes
Establishing specialized training requirements for School Resource Officers (SROs)
Expanding school safety measures, including facility security improvements and active threat training for school staff
Supporting the development of an anonymous threat reporting process to help identify concerns before they escalate

COMPLIANCE REVIEWS

OSSSM compliance investigators and managers are assigned to districts across the state to conduct unannounced on-site reviews using the School Security Risk Assessment Tool. Each public school is assessed at least once per year. If a school is found to be noncompliant, a reassessment may be conducted to verify corrective actions.

By September 1 of each year, the State School Security Marshal presents an annual report to the Kentucky Center for School Safety Board of Directors, summarizing statewide findings, trends, and recommendations from the previous school year.

State School Security Investigators – Regional Map