Strengthening School Safety

Reflections on SB 5004 from a Former Technology Director and Current School Board Chairman

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Dave Teague

My career has been focused on IT and Physical Security in K-12 education. As a former technology director who is now serving as a school board chairman in Washington State, I've witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of school safety and the critical role technology plays in protecting our students and staff. The recent passage of Senate Bill 5004 marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to enhance emergency preparedness across all educational institutions in the state.

Understanding SB 5004

SB 5004 mandates that all public school districts, including charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools, collaborate with local law enforcement agencies, safety and security staff, and public safety answering points to develop comprehensive emergency response systems. These systems must incorporate at least one of the following technologies:

• Panic or alert buttons connected to school administration, district staff, and emergency responders

• Live video and audio feeds accessible to law enforcement and school personnel

• Remote control access to doors

• Live interactive two-way communications

Additionally, school districts are required to submit a progress report on the implementation of these systems by October 1, 2025. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will compile this information and report to the Legislature by December 1, 2025.

Challenges and Considerations

While the objectives of SB 5004 are commendable, implementing these systems presents several challenges:

• Funding: Acquiring and maintaining advanced emergency response technologies is expensive. Without dedicated funding streams, many districts will struggle to meet the new mandates without pulling resources from other vital student services.

• Training: Staff must be adequately trained to use these systems effectively during high-stress situations. Regular drills and collaboration with emergency responders are essential, and professional development requires time and resources.

• Privacy Concerns: The use of live video and audio feeds raises important questions about student and staff privacy. Clear policies must be established to balance safety with protecting individual rights.

The Role of Technology in Emergency Preparedness

For more than 20 years, I have been responsible for implementing systems that not only enhance learning but also strengthen the safety of our school communities. Deploying technologies such as panic buttons and live communication feeds demands careful planning, comprehensive training, and close collaboration with local authorities. It is equally important to ensure that new technologies align with existing policies, procedures, and contract language. Additionally, we must assess whether our current infrastructure can support these new solutions or if further investments are needed to fully realize their potential and effectiveness.

From a school board perspective, the broader reality cannot be ignored: school safety is essential, but asking districts to implement new mandates without providing additional funding is both unsustainable and counterproductive. Schools across Washington are already facing historic budget cuts, declining enrollment, and rising operational costs. Imposing unfunded requirements, however well-intentioned, forces districts to divert already scarce resources away from the fundamental work of educating our students — a cost our communities cannot afford.

In this context, every dollar counts. Making the right technology purchase — one that is both effective and sustainable — is absolutely critical. Districts cannot afford to buy systems that are flashy but impractical, or solutions that require expensive ongoing maintenance we cannot support long-term. Our decisions must be driven by strategy, community needs, and long-term viability, not simply the newest or most impressive features.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, it’s imperative that school districts:

• Engage Stakeholders: Involve teachers, parents, students, and local law enforcement in the planning and selection process to ensure the solutions meet each community’s unique needs.

• Evaluate and Adapt: Continuously assess the effectiveness of the emergency response systems and make adjustments based on evolving technology and feedback from users.

• Promote Equity: Ensure that all schools — regardless of size, location, or student demographics — have access to safe and effective emergency response systems.

• Advocate for Funding: As local leaders, we must also work together to advocate for state and federal funding to support these critical safety upgrades. Safety shouldn’t depend on the wealth of a district.

  
  

Conclusion

SB 5004 is more than a new requirement — it’s an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of every student and staff member in our schools. While the challenges of limited funding and resources are real, they are not insurmountable. Together, through smart planning, collaboration, and a focus on what truly matters, we can rise to meet this moment. I am committed to working alongside you — evaluating what we have, investing wisely in solutions that strengthen safety, honor privacy, and make the very best use of every public dollar.

Consult with Dave