Our Commitment to Safety

BVUSD plans reflect a comprehensive, research-based approach to supporting early intervention, staff training, and standardized emergency response protocols.

District leadership remains deeply committed to best practices in school safety, including regular consultation with local experts. This commitment led us to explore San Mateo County’s exemplary work, including the creation of The Big 5 protocols. More information about The Big 5 and additional key resources is available below.

Overview of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP)

Since 1997, California Education Code has required districts to develop a Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP). Because BVUSD has fewer than 2,501 students, we are permitted to create a single district-wide CSSP in lieu of separate site-based plans.

To further streamline emergency preparedness, our plan integrates all CSSP requirements with components of a standard Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). This integrated document serves as both the legal and operational framework for emergency response in BVUSD and is subject to Board approval.

Supporting documents are provided in Annexes A–E, which contain tactical details, staff roles, checklists, and other tools for emergency planning and recovery. These annexes may be updated without requiring Board approval.

San Mateo’s Big 5 & Regional Collaboration

BVUSD adopted the Big 5 framework, developed by the San Mateo County Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities, which reflects national best practices in school safety. Following site visits and workshops, we adapted their model to meet BVUSD’s needs.

Sonoma County is now developing a similar framework, The Essential 5, and BVUSD is proud to be the first district in the county to formally adopt a county-aligned plan.

Our partnership with San Mateo County also introduced us to their Student Threat Assessment Protocol, a vital early intervention tool. Multiple BVUSD staff have been trained in its implementation.

Community Matters: Culture, Climate & Student Voice

To build on our safety plan with a strong foundation in climate and culture, BVUSD partnered with Community Matters, a globally recognized, locally based organization. Their evidence-based programs promote social-emotional learning, school connectedness, and student empowerment through an “inside-out” approach to bullying prevention and school safety.

BVUSD staff have participated in several full-day trainings, and we are in the process of expanding access to all school staff.

Highlights include:

• Integration of core strategies in the updated BVUSD Community Handbook (August 2023)
• Implementation of the Safe School Ambassadors® program at Strawberry School (Spring 2024)
• Planned launch of Safe School Buddies at Yulupa School by 2025, supported through community-based grants

“I Love U Guys” Foundation: Reunification Protocols

BVUSD also adopted reunification practices from the internationally recognized “I Love U Guys” Foundation, used by more than 45,000 schools and districts worldwide.

The Standard Reunification Method provides a tested framework for safely and efficiently reuniting students with their families after a critical incident.

While reunification is unlikely, it is one of the most complex emergency responses. We are prepared with signage, supplies, staff assignments, parent communication templates, and other tools.

Plan Review & Approval Process

Each year, BVUSD staff review the safety plan to ensure compliance with current law and alignment with evolving best practices. The process includes:

1. Internal Review by BVUSD staff
2. Collaborative Feedback through the District Advisory Council (DAC)
3. Formal Board Approval by BVUSD Trustees
4. Agency Review by local law enforcement, fire, and insurance partners