Front Offices Vestibules - School entrances have secured areas so that visitors are isolated from other parts of the school.

Security Cameras - All district schools have school security cameras to monitor entrances, exits and some common areas. 

Check-In/Out Procedures - All visitors are required to check-in/out at the front office. 

School Resource Officers

The Kennewick School District (KSD) partners with the Kennewick Police Department (KPD) and the City of Kennewick to provide school resource officers across middle and high schools. These officers play a key role in the district’s safety plan, offering a wide range of services to maintain a secure environment. While on campus, they help develop safety plans and protocols, conduct drills, de-escalate conflicts, break up fights, handle detentions or arrests, perform personal property searches, patrol school grounds, ensure event safety, and provide law enforcement education.

School Safety Officers

Kennewick School District has school safety officers in all elementary schools. These school safety officers are KSD employees, funded by the Educational Program & Operations Levy.

Their primary focus is maintaining a strong, visible presence in schools, building relationships with students and staff, and ensuring the safety of everyone on campus. In addition to traditional security tasks, they perform security checks, participate in emergency preparedness training, and play a key role in regular school drills.

This program is provided in partnership with the Kennewick Police Department (KPD), which assists with the hiring process and conducts background checks on applicants. KPD also provides advanced training for safety officers, covering firearms, active shooter scenarios, de-escalation techniques, and emergency communication through police radio channels.

Security Staff

In addition to School Resource Officers (SROs), all middle and high schools in the district have staff members dedicated to providing security services on campus. These security personnel are responsible for ensuring the safety of students, staff, buildings, and property by patrolling school grounds, including the building perimeters, parking lots, and unsupervised areas. They step in to prevent activities that could cause harm, serve as role models for students, help supervise during arrival, dismissal, and mealtimes, monitor security cameras, intercept unauthorized visitors, and alert police or emergency services when needed. Security staff also notify appropriate personnel in cases of substance abuse, severe medical conditions, child abuse, potential suicide, and alcohol abuse, and assist emergency responders when necessary.

School Safety Plan Requirements/Drill Requirements

All schools have current safe school plans and procedures in place, fully consistent with federal law. These comprehensive Safe school plans contain information on duties of school districts surrounding reports, drills, rules, and first responder agencies.

Building Drills

All Kennewick School District schools conduct safety drills at least once per month, including summer sessions with students. Drills practice four basic functional threat or hazard responses:

1. Shelter-in-Place—To limit the exposure of students and staff to hazardous materials, such as chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants, released into the environment by isolating the inside environment from the outside
2. Lockdown—To isolate students and staff from threats of violence, such as suspicious trespassers or armed intruders, that may occur in a school or in the vicinity of a school. Lockdown drills do not include live simulations of or reenactments of active shooter scenarios that are not trauma-informed and age and developmentally appropriate.
3. Evacuation—To move students and staff away from threats, such as fires, oil train spills, or tsunamis
4. Earthquake—To practice the "drop, cover, and hold" protocol

For more information on the definition of drills, watch Defining Emergency Terms for Schools is a 5-minute video tutorial for Washington schools to assist them in their preparedness efforts. 

Bus evacuation Drills

Kennewick School District's transportation services department conducts emergency evacuation drills three times per year on school buses in accordance with state law (WAC 392-145-080).

Required Staff Training

All Kennewick School District staff member take required training courses in areas of school safety each year. Trainings include safety topics such as bullying recognition and response, child abuse and neglect, discrimination and harassment, staff responsibility and conduct, health emergencies, maintaining staff-student professional boundaries, managing difficult behaviors, workplace hazards, sexual harassment, the McKinney-Vento Act, and more.

Policies

Student Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Cyberbullying

Policy 3207 STUDENTS Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Cyber Bullying

Procedure 3207 STUDENTS Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Cyber Bullying

Policy 3207 STUDENTS Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying Incident Reporting Form

HIB Compliance Officer 

BJ Wilson
Director of K-12 Student Services
Email
(509) 222-6534

Discover how Kennewick School District is actively promoting SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) to benefit students' growth and success.

D.A.R.E.

• D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive prevention education program taught by highly-trained Kennewick Police officers. D.A.R.E. Education Programs deliver science/evidence-based curricula that teach students good decision-making skills that will help them lead safe and healthy lives and cope with high risk circumstances including drugs, alcohol, violence, bullying, and internet safety.

• D.A.R.E. is offered to all fifth grade students at all elementary schools and Mid-Columbia Partnership.

• D.A.R.E is offered to all sixth graders at each middle school.

• Migrant Mental Health Therapists

• Communities in Schools of Benton-Franklin 

• 21St Century After-School Program (ESD 123)

• Boys & Girls Club of Benton & Franklin Counties - Providing childcare for the children of students attending Legacy High School.

• B5

• After-school tutoring support for recently arrived refugees

• Migrant Graduation Specialists

• Bilingual Facilitators 

• ECEAP Family Home Visitors

Q: What is KSD doing to prevent threats?
 A: Safety is our top priority. We use a proactive safety approach to keep schools secure. This includes controlled building access, visitor check-in systems, security cameras, security staff, and regular safety assessments with law enforcement. We also use anonymous reporting tools so students, staff, and families can share concerns early. In addition, we have threat-assessment protocols and social-emotional supports in place to identify and help students who may be in crisis before a situation escalates.

Q: What security staffing is in place at the schools?
 A: All of our middle and high schools have a Kennewick Police Department School Resource Officer assigned to their campus. In addition, all of our elementary schools have a school safety officer assigned to the school. School safety officers are retired law enforcement officers.

Q: What are the plans for a mass-casualty emergency?
 A: Every school has a comprehensive emergency response plan developed with police, fire, and emergency services. Staff receive regular training, and students participate in drills for shelter-in-place, lockdowns, evacuations, and earthquakes as required by law. We also coordinate with the Kennewick Police Department to conduct active shooter simulations when schools are not in session to make sure first responders are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in our schools. In addition, Kennewick Police officers have immediate security access to every building in the district.

Q: How is the number of security staff determined for each school?
 A: Staffing decisions are guided by available funding, district resources, and staffing availability. The district has invested into security upgrades including secure entry points, emergency notification systems, and enhanced law enforcement partnerships. We are actively reviewing security staffing levels across the district to better align with current enrollment and safety needs.

Q: How are threats evaluated, and is the anonymous tip line 24/7? Do “joke” and “hoax” threats lead to discipline?
 A: Threats are evaluated using a threat-assessment protocol that considers the nature of the threat, access to weapons, intent, and context. A team of administrators, security staff, and law enforcement review each case. Even if a threat is later determined to be a “joke” or “hoax,” it carries serious disciplinary and potential legal consequences. Reports through the district’s “Report A Safety Concern” system are monitored during normal business hours with urgent matters flagged immediately for administrators and law enforcement. Those individuals with urgent/emergency situations are instructed to contact 911.

Q: Does KSD use cameras or student reports to investigate safety situations?
 A: The district cooperates fully with law enforcement, who use all available tools, including cameras and interviews, to investigate threats.

Q: How do KPD, the Sheriff’s Office, and KSD share information?
 A: Kennewick School District has a strong partnership with local law enforcement, including the Kennewick Police Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement and the district share information through established protocols. This coordination is always being reviewed to strengthen response speed and clarity.

Q: What happens if a student accused of a threat is released on bail?
 A: Decisions on bail and release conditions are made by the courts. The district coordinates closely with KPD to monitor the situation, enforce restrictions, and ensure the individual does not return to campus if they pose a safety risk. This includes disciplinary action, trespass orders, and communication between law enforcement and school officials.

Q: How does KSD communicate with families and staff during a crisis?
 A: The district uses ParentSquare to send notifications by phone, email and text to communicate with families and staff. We also have reunification procedures and designated sites to ensure families can safely reconnect with students as soon as possible. 

Q: During a crisis when do parents get notified?
 A: Parents are a priority in any emergency. Information is shared as quickly as possible once facts are confirmed and law enforcement indicates it’s safe to do so. Premature communication can interfere with investigations or spread misinformation. Our goal is always to be timely, accurate, and transparent.

Q: Why are some alerts sent the next day?
 A: Information is shared as soon as facts are confirmed and law enforcement determines it is appropriate to do so. In some cases, investigations or safety operations must happen before communication is sent to ensure accuracy and not interfere with law enforcement work.

Q: Will KSD install metal detectors at entrances?
 A: Multiple safety measures are being evaluated as part of a larger security strategy. Any installation must consider effectiveness, cost, staffing, logistics, and coverage for all entry points.

Q: Will KSD be investing into fencing around the schools?
 A: Physical barriers like fencing are one part of a proactive approach to safety and we are continually looking at ways to improve campus security in this area. At the same time, through campus safety audits with Kennewick Police Department, we’re evaluating additional security investments in staffing, monitoring technology, and determining training needs.

Q: Will KSD use K-9s or advanced screening at doors?
 A: K-9 units are typically coordinated through law enforcement for specific situations. We are exploring multiple strategies, including technology, staffing, and partnerships, to strengthen entry screening over time.

Q: Is KSD using an ingress/egress portal system?
 A: KSD is evaluating electronic access control and visitor management technologies to strengthen monitoring of who enters and exits campuses. Any adoption of new systems would consider security impact, cost, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Q: Will students be required to wear visible ID badges?
 A: We are exploring visible ID requirements as part of our multi-strategy approach to safety and security. This includes evaluating options for badge visibility, electronic access control, and how these measures can be implemented consistently across all schools.

Q: Will clear backpacks be required?
 A: Measures like clear backpacks are being reviewed, with attention to practicality, student privacy, and overall effectiveness.

Q: When do students practice active-shooter and other safety drills?
 A: In compliance with state law, each school conducts monthly practice of emergency safety drills for a variety of potential safety situations as required by law. These drills include: shelter-in-place, lockdown, evacuation, and earthquake. In addition, emergency evacuation drills are conducted three times per year on school buses.

Q: What’s the difference between “Secure and Teach” and “Lockdown”?
 A: Schools are sometimes placed in “Secure and Teach” status as a precaution due to nearby police activity or a situation inside the school that requires hallways to be cleared such as a medical emergency. In these instances, exterior doors may be locked, and students stay in their classrooms while continuing to learn. A “lockdown” is used for immediate threats inside or near the building; instruction stops, doors are locked, and students shelter. Safety drills are held monthly during the school year in compliance with state law.

Q: Can transfer approvals be revoked for students with violent records?
 A: Yes. Transfer approvals can be revoked if students violate safety policies. We’re strengthening cross-district coordination to ensure that prior disciplinary information is thoroughly reviewed before approving transfers, especially for violent behavior.

Q: Can a minor in a serious case be tried as an adult?
 A: Charging decisions are made by the prosecutor’s office based on the severity of the alleged crime and applicable state law.

Q: Could a student accused of violent threats return to school? What penalties could apply?
 A: Disciplinary actions are determined by district policy and state law. Legal penalties depend on the charges and court outcomes. Juvenile offenders may face detention, probation, or other court-imposed consequences.

Q: How can students and staff report mental health or at-risk concerns?
 A: Yes. We have anonymous reporting tools and threat assessment teams in place. We are working to strengthen this system by promoting it more visibly to students, expanding staff training, and ensuring counselors are involved in follow-up and monitoring. Building a culture where concerns are taken seriously is a key focus area moving forward.

Q: Is there a culture issue around reporting?
 A: We are reviewing the situation closely. Building a culture of “see something, say something” is critical. This includes increasing student awareness, encouraging reporting, and ensuring students trust that their concerns will be taken seriously.

Q: What mental health partnerships does KSD have?
 A: The district works closely with regional mental health agencies to connect students and families with outside resources and services when needed.

Q: What safety steps are taken for homecoming?
 A: For major events like homecoming, there is increased law enforcement presence, additional staff supervision, secured entrances and exits, and clear communication protocols with event organizers.

Q: How is safety handled before and after school activities?
 A: Security coverage is extended for many activities, and schools coordinate closely with KPD during events. We are reviewing procedures to ensure that gates, supervision, and communication are consistent during times when fewer staff are present.