Launch the media gallery 1 playerAGPS is Placing School Safety First with a Diamond Badge Certification
NEWS RELEASE
For additional infomration, please contact David Jespersen by phone (402-471-4537) or email
(david.jespersen@nebraska.gov)
AUGUST 9, 2024
Nebraska School Districts “Place School Safety First”
Schools and Districts are putting in the hard work to “place school safety first” and are now being recognized for their efforts
to meet requirements, trainings, drills, and best practices in school safety and security with the Nebraska Department of
Education (NDE) Badge Certification. NDE has established a badge system to recognize schools that go above and beyond
to provide a safe environment for our students, staff, and visitors.
The badge identifies and recognizes Nebraska public and non-public school districts meeting the highest standards of safety
and security. Schools can earn Diamond, Gold, or Silver badges, highlighting their commitment to ensuring the safety and
security of students, staff, and visitors.
Effective learning can only take place in a safe environment, and this certification reassures communities that their schools
are actively fulfilling the four pillars of safety: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Diamond certification means
a district is meeting the highest standards in school safety and security, with gold being the next level, and then silver. By
earning these badges, schools demonstrate their dedication to “Place School Safety”.
School districts have built safety and threat assessment teams, and are required to have an emergency operations plan,
develop safety & security policies, complete safety drills, conduct suicide and other safety trainings, as well as having digital,
substance use, dating violence, and countless other safety best practices to keep school communities and the members free
from harms way.
The Badge Certification was announced at the Administration Days Conference in July and several rural and urban school
districts have already completed the checklist and are receiving their badges. The districts will display the badges on their
building entry ways, websites, and social media platforms to demonstrate and let communities know they will always “Place
School Safety First”!
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David Jespersen
Public Information Officer, Nebraska Department of Education
402-471-4537
david.jespersen@nebraska.gov
@NDE_News