2025-26
As required by state education law, the Goshen Central School District maintains a district-wide safety plan and must post this plan on its website. This plan is designed to prevent or minimize the effects of violent incidents and emergencies and to facilitate the coordination of schools and school districts with local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies. Goshen’s plan is below.
Section 1: Planning Guidelines
Purpose
The Goshen Central School District District-Wide School Safety Plan is developed pursuant to Education Law §2801-a and Commissioner’s Regulation 8 NYCRR §155.17. The purpose of this plan is to prevent or minimize the effects of serious violent incidents and emergencies; facilitate coordination with local, county, and state emergency responders; establish districtwide policies and procedures for risk reduction, response, and recovery; and provide a framework for building-level emergency response planning.
Public Document and Confidentiality
This District-Wide School Safety Plan is a public document. Building-Level Emergency Response Plans contain sensitive and tactical information and are confidential and not subject to public disclosure pursuant to Education Law §2801-a.
Identification of the District-Wide School Safety Team
The Board of Education appoints a District-Wide School Safety Team responsible for the annual review and update of this plan and for supporting development of building-level plans. The Team includes, but is not limited to, representatives of the following roles:
- Superintendent of Schools
- Chief Emergency Officer (CEO)
- Assistant Superintendents
- Director of Facilities / Buildings & Grounds
- Director/Coordinator of Transportation
- Director of Pupil Personnel Services / Special Education
- Building Principals and Administrators
- School Nurse / Health Services Representative
- Mental Health Professional(s) (School Psychologist/Social Worker/Counselor)
- Teacher Representative
- Support Staff Representative
- Parent Representative
- Law Enforcement / Emergency Responder Representative(s) (as available)
- Other staff as determined necessary for comprehensive planning
Chief Emergency Officer
The Superintendent designates a Chief Emergency Officer in accordance with 8 NYCRR §155.17. The Chief Emergency Officer shall coordinate communication between the district and local emergency responders and shall support building-level planning, training, drill compliance, and annual review responsibilities. The CEO’s duties include ensuring consistency of emergency response terminology and supporting required staff training and certifications.
Responsibilities of the Chief Emergency Officer
The Superintendent-designated Chief Emergency Officer (CEO) shall serve as the district’s primary coordinator for school safety planning, training, and interagency communication in accordance with 8 NYCRR §155.17.
The Chief Emergency Officer shall be responsible for:
- Planning and Plan Coordination
- Leading the efforts of the District-Wide School Safety Team in the development, coordination, and annual update of the District-Wide School Safety Plan by September 1.
- Ensuring the completion and annual update of Building-Level Emergency Response Plans for each school building by September 1.
- Coordinating alignment between the District-Wide School Safety Plan and each Building-Level Emergency Response Plan to ensure consistency of terminology, procedures, and command structure.
Communication and Interagency Coordination
- Coordinating communication between school staff, district administration, law enforcement agencies, and other first responders.
- Supporting unified planning efforts with local emergency management and public safety partners.
- Ensuring emergency response terminology and protocols are consistently implemented across the district.
Staff Training and Drill Oversight
- Coordinating appropriate safety, security, and emergency response training for district and school staff.
- Ensuring completion of required annual emergency response plan training by September 15.
- Supporting staff understanding of the District-Wide School Safety Plan and Building-Level Emergency Response Plans.
- Ensuring that required evacuation and lockdown drills are conducted in all district buildings in accordance with Education Law §807.
- Monitoring compliance with trauma-informed drill requirements and required documentation.
Security Technology and Policy Development
- Assisting in the evaluation and selection of security-related technology.
- Supporting the development and implementation of policies governing the appropriate and lawful use of such technology.
- Coordinating integration of security technology into district emergency response planning.
- The Chief Emergency Officer shall work collaboratively with district leadership to ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory safety planning requirements.
Concept of Operations
This District-Wide School Safety Plan serves as the overarching framework for districtwide emergency management and guides the development of Building-Level Emergency Response Plans for each facility. The District utilizes the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) framework. In building-level emergencies, the Building Principal or designee serves as Incident Commander until relieved or unified command is established with law enforcement or emergency officials.
Plan Review, Public Comment, and Adoption
The District shall review this plan annually and update it as needed. The plan shall be made available for a minimum 30-day public comment period and presented at least one public hearing prior to adoption by the Board of Education. Following adoption, the District shall make the plan available for public posting and file the plan in accordance with applicable NYSED requirements.
Section II – Risk Reduction / Prevention & Intervention
Prevention and Intervention Framework
Risk reduction, prevention, and intervention strategies are implemented prior to an emergency or violent incident to reduce the likelihood of occurrence or minimize impact. The District uses a layered approach that includes positive school climate initiatives, behavioral supports, threat reporting mechanisms, and coordinated response planning.
Code of Conduct and Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
The District Code of Conduct establishes expectations for student behavior and outlines reporting and response procedures for misconduct, threats, harassment, bullying, and violent behavior. The District maintains compliance with DASA and related policies supporting a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment.
Threat Assessment Team
The District maintains a multidisciplinary Threat Assessment Team to identify, assess, and manage potentially threatening behaviors. The Team may include building administration, pupil personnel services, mental health staff, school health services, and law enforcement representatives as appropriate.
Threat Assessment Team Responsibilities
Receive and evaluate reports of concerning or threatening behavior.
Conduct structured threat assessments and determine level of risk.
Develop and monitor intervention, supervision, and safety plans.
Coordinate with law enforcement when warranted.
Maintain appropriate documentation and protect confidentiality consistent with FERPA and applicable laws.
Early Detection of Potentially Violent Behaviors
Staff are trained to recognize and report early warning signs of concerning behavior. Warning signs may include, but are not limited to, severe emotional distress, threats toward others, aggressive behavior patterns, fixation on violence, significant behavioral changes, social withdrawal, or inappropriate access to weapons. Reports shall be made immediately to a building administrator or Threat Assessment Team member.
Reporting Procedures
The District encourages a ‘See Something, Say Something’ approach. Reports may be made to building administration, pupil personnel services, school safety personnel, or law enforcement, as appropriate. All reports are taken seriously and reviewed promptly.
School Security Measures
The District maintains layered security practices, which may include:
- Secured main entrances and controlled visitor access procedures
- Visitor sign-in procedures and identification verification
- Staff identification badges
- Surveillance and monitoring systems at key points as available
- Supervision and hallway management practices
- Coordination with local law enforcement and emergency responders
- Safety drills and tabletop exercises
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) & Cardiac Emergency Response Planning
- In accordance with Education Law §917 and §2801-a(2), the Goshen Central School District maintains an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program and Cardiac Emergency Response Plan to ensure timely and effective response to cardiac emergencies on school property and at school-sponsored events.
AED Equipment Requirements
The District shall:
- Maintain at least one functional AED in each occupied school building.
- Ensure AEDs are readily accessible during the school day and during all school-sponsored events.
- Ensure AEDs are available at athletic practices and competitions, whether on or off school grounds, consistent with statutory requirements.
- Maintain AEDs in locations that are clearly identified and accessible to trained responders.
AED Maintenance and Inspection
The District shall:
- Inspect AEDs regularly in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
- Maintain documentation of AED inspections and maintenance.
- Replace expired batteries, pads, and other components as required.
- Ensure that AEDs are in proper working condition at all times.
- The District shall designate responsible personnel for routine AED checks and documentation.
AED Signage
The District shall:
- Post visible signage indicating the location of AEDs.
- Ensure signage complies with applicable state standards.
- Include AED locations in building-level emergency response planning.
Cardiac Emergency Response Plan
The District maintains a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) that includes:
- Procedures for responding to suspected cardiac arrest.
- Immediate activation of 911.
- Immediate initiation of CPR.
- Deployment and use of an AED as soon as possible.
- Designation of trained responders.
- Coordination with emergency medical services.
- Post-incident documentation and review procedures.
- Building-Level Emergency Response Plans incorporate site-specific procedures consistent with the District’s CERP.
Training Requirements
In accordance with law:
- School staff designated by the Superintendent shall receive training in CPR and AED use.
- Coaches and designated athletic staff shall maintain required certifications.
- Training shall be conducted consistent with nationally recognized standards.
- The District shall maintain documentation of required training.
Integration with School Safety Planning
The AED program and Cardiac Emergency Response Plan are integrated into:
- District-wide safety planning.
- Building-level emergency response plans.
- Staff training programs.
- Emergency drills and tabletop exercises where appropriate.
- The District recognizes that rapid response to cardiac emergencies is critical and remains committed to maintaining readiness through equipment, training, and coordination with emergency responders.
Hazard Identification
The District considers a range of hazards in its planning, including natural hazards, technological hazards, and human-caused incidents. Building-Level Emergency Response Plans contain site-specific details for each facility. The District recognizes that rapid response to cardiac emergencies is critical and remains committed to maintaining readiness through equipment, training, and coordination with emergency responders.
Section III – Response
Incident Command System (ICS)
The District utilizes NIMS/ICS for emergency response coordination. District-level incidents are coordinated under the Superintendent or designee. Building-level incidents are coordinated by the Building Principal or designee as Incident Commander until relieved or unified command is established with responding agencies.
Standardized Emergency Response Terms (Effective July 1, 2025)
In compliance with 8 NYCRR §155.17, the District uses standardized emergency response terminology for protective actions. These terms are used in district plans, building plans, training, and drills.
- Shelter / Shelter-in-Place
Definition: Shelter students and staff inside the building because it is safer inside the building than outside.
Recommended actions:
Listen for instructions and updates.
Students in hallways return to assigned classroom, if possible.
Take attendance.
Staff assist students as needed.
Move away from windows if situation warrants.
If instructed, move to designated safe area and take attendance upon arrival.
Stay together at all times. - Hold / Hold-in-Place
Definition: Restrict movement of students and staff within the building while dealing with short-term emergencies.
Recommended actions:
Listen for instructions and updates.
Students in hallways return to assigned classroom, if possible.
Take attendance.
Classroom instruction continues as normal. - Evacuate / Evacuation
Definition: Evacuate students and staff from the building.
Recommended actions:
Listen for instructions.
Lead students to designated assembly area; use secondary route if necessary.
Students in hallways evacuate through the nearest exit.
Bring attendance list and class roster.
Close classroom door after exiting.
Take attendance when safe to do so.
If evacuating off site, take attendance before moving from and upon arrival at off-site location.
Listen for updates. - Secure Lockout
Definition: Students and staff remain inside locked school buildings during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside of the school.
Recommended actions:
Listen for instructions.
Lock all exterior doors and windows.
Follow school procedure for blinds/lights.
Take attendance.
Classroom instruction continues as normal.
All outdoor activities are terminated.
Listen for updates. - Lockdown
Definition: Secure students and staff inside locked classrooms during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the school.
Recommended actions:
LOCKDOWN announced – move quickly.
If safe, gather students from hallways and common areas near your classroom.
Lock the door; barricade if necessary.
Move students to a safe area in the classroom out of sight of the door.
Follow school procedure for windows/blinds/lights.
Keep everyone quiet; silence cell phones.
Take attendance, if possible.
Do not communicate through door or answer room phone.
Only respond to PA or alarms when there is an immediate life-safety hazard based on observed conditions.
Stay hidden until physically released by law enforcement personnel.
Communication Protocols
In any emergency, the Incident Commander shall contact 911 when appropriate and notify district leadership. The District may use public address systems, radios, telephone systems, mass notification platforms, email/text alerts, the district website, and local media as appropriate to communicate with staff and families.
Multi-Hazard Response Framework
The District plans for and may respond to emergencies including:
Natural hazards (e.g., severe weather, flooding, winter storms)
Technological hazards (e.g., utility failure, hazardous materials incidents, transportation incidents)
Human-caused incidents (e.g., intruder, threats of violence, suspicious object, civil disturbance)
Public health emergencies
Reunification Procedures (Public Overview)
In the event of an evacuation or emergency dismissal requiring controlled student release, the District will establish a reunification site separate from the incident location, verify identification of individuals authorized to pick up students, document releases, and provide regular communication updates. Site-specific reunification details are included in Building-Level Emergency Response Plans.
Section IV – Drills, Exercises & Training
Emergency Drill Requirements
In accordance with Education Law §807 and 8 NYCRR §155.17, each building shall conduct the following drills annually:
Eight (8) evacuation drills
Four (4) lockdown drills
One (1) early dismissal drill
Drills shall be conducted on different dates, at different times of day, and on different days of the week. At least six evacuation drills and at least two lockdown drills shall occur in the first half of the school year.
Trauma-Informed Drill Procedures
All drills shall be trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate. Drills shall:
Not include props, actors, simulations, or tactics intended to mimic a school shooting or violent incident.
Inform students and staff that the event is a drill, except for evacuation drills.
Provide age-appropriate explanation before and after drills.
Make counseling supports available as needed.
Parent/Guardian Notification
Except for evacuation drills, the District shall provide advance notice to parents/guardians within one week prior to conducting each drill, using established district communication platforms.
Lockdown Release Procedures
Lockdown drills shall include procedures clarifying whether release will occur by law enforcement personnel or by school/district administrators during drills. In actual incidents, lockdown ends only upon physical release by law enforcement personnel.
Annual Multi-Hazard School Safety Training
The District shall provide annual multi-hazard training for staff. Training shall include:
Overview of the District-Wide School Safety Plan and Building-Level Emergency Response Plans
Roles and responsibilities of emergency response team members
Incident Command System (ICS) structure and coordination expectations
Standardized emergency response terminology and procedures (Shelter, Hold, Evacuate, Secure Lockout, Lockdown)
Drill procedures and expectations, including lockdown release procedures
Violence prevention and mental health components
New employees hired after the start of the school year shall receive required safety training within a reasonable period, as part of new hire orientation or scheduled training sessions.
Annual Certification
The District shall certify annually to the Commissioner of Education that all required staff training has been completed by September 15 of each school year.
Tabletop Exercises and Coordination
The District may conduct tabletop exercises and coordinate planning with emergency responders to evaluate readiness, review after-action findings, and update procedures and training as needed.
Oversight of drill scheduling, documentation, and compliance is coordinated through the Chief Emergency Officer.
Section V – Recovery
Overview
Recovery efforts begin immediately following stabilization of an emergency or violent incident. The goals of recovery are to restore a safe and orderly educational environment, provide mental health support, communicate accurate information, return to normal operations safely, and evaluate the effectiveness of response actions.
District Support for Buildings
Following a serious incident, the Superintendent or designee may activate a District Crisis Response Team to support impacted buildings. The team may include district administration, pupil personnel services, mental health professionals, communications support, and liaisons to law enforcement and community agencies. The team shall assess the scope of impact, identify individuals or groups most affected, coordinate counseling and support services, support building administration in communication efforts, and coordinate with community mental health agencies, if necessary.
Post-Incident Response Actions
Staff debriefing to share verified information, provide guidance, and identify support needs.
Student supports including classroom-based processing, counseling spaces, and individual/group services.
Family communication providing accurate information and access to resources.
Mental Health Services
The District shall provide trauma-informed mental health supports in coordination with school-based staff and, when needed, community agencies. This includes Orange-Ulster BOCES, local mental health agencies, and community providers. Follow-up support and referrals for outside service shall be provided as appropriate.
Crime Scene Security
If a crime occurs on school property, the Building Principal or designee shall secure the area, restrict access, and preserve the scene until released by law enforcement, except as required for immediate life safety.
Communication During Recovery
The Superintendent or designated Public Information Officer (PIO) shall coordinate communications during recovery, ensuring consistent messaging, protecting confidentiality, and providing timely updates to families and staff. Only authorized spokespersons shall release information.
After-Action Review
Following significant incidents, the District shall conduct an after-action review to identify strengths and improvement areas, update procedures, and plan additional training if needed.
Section VI – Continuity of Operations (Public Health Emergency Protocols)
Purpose
In accordance with Education Law §2801-a and Labor Law §27-c, the District maintains protocols for responding to a declared public health emergency involving communicable disease to ensure continuity of operations and protection of health and safety.
Essential Workers
In the event of workforce reductions or operational limitations, the District may designate essential positions, as needed, including:
Superintendent and designated central office administration
Chief Emergency Officer and designated safety personnel
Building principals and designated administrative staff
Facilities and custodial personnel
Transportation personnel (as necessary)
School nurses and health services staff
Information technology personnel
Food service personnel (if meal distribution is required)
Designation of essential staff shall be determined by operational necessity and public health guidance.
Telecommuting Protocols
For non-essential employees, the District may implement remote work where feasible, in accordance with Goshen Central School District policies. If deemed appropriate and necessary, employees may be provided access to essential platforms, devices, and virtual meeting tools to maintain continuity of operations.
Schedule Staggering and Workplace Controls
When in-person staffing is necessary, the District may implement staggered schedules, adjust arrival/departure times, limit visitors, and utilize cohorting or space utilization strategies consistent with public health guidance.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The District shall maintain appropriate PPE supplies consistent with guidance, ensure secure storage, provide PPE to staff as required, and monitor inventory for restocking.
Exposure Protocols and Coordination with Health Authorities
If a student or employee tests positive, is exposed, or exhibits symptoms, the District shall follow NYS Department of Health guidance and directives of local health authorities regarding isolation, quarantine, and notification procedures.
Contact Tracing Documentation
The District may maintain procedures to document and support public health response efforts, including:
Visitor logs and sign-in records
Staff attendance/work location documentation
Bus rosters and seating charts where applicable
Classroom rosters and seating arrangements as needed
Emergency Housing Coordination
The District may coordinate with local government agencies, emergency management offices, and community partners to assist essential employees with emergency housing needs, if necessary to perform the essential duties of the job while responding to a declared public health emergency involving communicable disease.
Section VII – Emergency Remote Instruction Plan
Purpose
In extraordinary emergency conditions requiring closure of school facilities, the District may implement remote instruction consistent with Commissioner’s Regulations. Remote instruction may count toward the 180-day requirement when appropriate certifications are made and instructional time is documented.
Definitions
Synchronous Instruction: Real-time instruction with direct teacher interaction.
Asynchronous Instruction: Instruction not occurring in real-time.
Remote Instruction: Instruction delivered by a certified teacher not physically present with students.
Access to Devices and Internet
The District shall maintain procedures to provide computing devices to students who require them, to assess internet access needs, and to provide alternative instructional methods when digital access is unavailable.
Instructional Expectations
Remote instruction shall maintain instructional rigor appropriate to grade level and may include synchronous and asynchronous instruction.
The District shall work to:
Provide meaningful teacher-student interaction where feasible
Maintain communication with students and families
Document instructional activities and participation
Ensure equitable access and reasonable accommodations
Students with Disabilities and Related Services
The District shall provide services consistent with IEPs and 504 plans to the greatest extent practicable, maintain documentation of services delivered, and work with families to support continuity of learning and related services during emergency conditions. This may include the use of virtual or other alternative delivery models, when necessary.
Documentation and Certification
The Superintendent shall maintain documentation of emergency conditions and instructional time and make required certifications to NYSED as applicable.
Compliance with District Policies
All students and staff engaged in remote instruction must comply with:
Code of Conduct
Acceptable Use Policies
Non-discrimination policies
Privacy and data security policies
Section VIII – Chain of Command & Emergency Communication Structure
Chain of Command
The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for designation of response actions necessary to cope with an emergency. In the absence of the Superintendent, responsibility shall be delegated to the following individuals in order of succession:
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Personnel & Technology
Assistant Superintendent for Business
Building Principal of the affected building
Other designated administrator as identified by the Superintendent
In a building-level emergency requiring immediate action, the Building Principal or designee may initiate appropriate protective actions.
The Incident Commander shall remain in charge until:
Relieved by higher district authority, or
Unified Command is established with law enforcement or emergency responders.
Emergency Activation Authority
The following individuals may initiate protective actions (Shelter, Hold, Evacuate, Secure Lockout, Lockdown) consistent with standardized terminology and observed conditions. Law enforcement may direct protective actions when appropriate.
Superintendent
Chief Emergency Officer
Assistant Superintendents
Building Principals
Law Enforcement
Emergency Contact Procedures and Communication Systems
In all life safety emergencies, staff shall call 911. The incident commander shall notify local law enforcement and/or emergency services, notify the Superintendent of designee, and activate the appropriate emergency protocol. The District maintains internal and external communication systems and will utilize them during emergency situations. This includes PA systems, radios, telephones, mass notification platforms, email/text alerts, and website updates.
Public Information Officer (PIO)
The Superintendent or designee shall serve as Public Information Officer. The PIO will serve as the official spokesperson for the District and will coordinate communications with families, staff, media and the responding agencies’ public information staff. The PIO will ensure consistent messaging, protect confidentiality under FERPA, and provide timely updates. No other staff member shall release information unless authorized.
Coordination with Emergency Responders
The District coordinates planning and response with local law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, Orange County emergency management, and other relevant agencies as appropriate. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), if applicable, are maintained separately.
Plan Adoption and Annual Review
This District-Wide School Safety Plan is reviewed annually, made available for public comment, presented at a public hearing, and adopted by the Board of Education. The District maintains documentation of review and adoption and posts the plan publicly as required.