Burns Sci-Tech Earns Excellence in Safe School Compliance Award!

We are proud to announce that Burns Sci-Tech has earned the Excellence in Safe School Compliance Award. This recognition reflects our school’s commitment to providing a secure, well-prepared, and supportive learning environment for students and staff.

This award is part of the Volusia County School District’s Safety and Security Certification Process, which is designed to ensure that schools and departments have clear, effective programs to protect students, staff, and the school community. While safety can never be guaranteed in any community, having well-defined procedures in place strengthens the school environment and provides students and staff with peace of mind as they learn and work each day.

Our district’s certification process includes 63 rigorous standards across eight key areas:

• Administrative Services

• Emergency Management

• Facilities

• Health Services

• Law Enforcement

• School Food Services

• Student Services

• Transportation Services

To earn a rating of “Certification of Compliance with the Safety and Security Standards,” each school must meet all 63 standards. The process also includes a review of the school’s organizational structure to ensure there are adequate staffing levels and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

What It Takes to Earn the Award

Compliance is a three-step process:

1. Written procedures must be in place for all standards.

2. Faculty and staff must be knowledgeable about these procedures.

3. The school must demonstrate compliance through observation and drills.

   
   

As part of the district assessment, a mock drill is conducted to evaluate the school’s ability to respond in an emergency. The district safety and security team, which includes administrators, law enforcement personnel, and County Emergency Operations Center staff, conducts the assessment and provides an out-briefing with findings and recommendations.

The Annual Certification and Continuous Improvement

The district conducts annual safety and security assessments for every school. Schools submit required documentation in November, and the assessment results are reported to the Superintendent and presented to the School Board. The public and School Board members have the opportunity to review and discuss the findings. Recommendations from the Superintendent guide strategies and activities to continually improve the safety and security program. Additionally, the results are forwarded to the Commissioner of Education, highlighting the district’s commitment to maintaining high standards.

Why This Matters

Receiving the Excellence in Safe School Compliance Award is more than just a recognition; it demonstrates that Burns Sci-Tech prioritizes the safety, well-being, and peace of mind of our students, staff, and families. A safe and prepared school environment allows our students to focus on learning, our teachers and staff to teach and support without distraction, and our families to feel confident that their children are protected.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our administration, teachers, and staff, whose dedication to maintaining high standards ensures that Burns Sci-Tech remains a safe, thriving, and inspiring place for all our Eagles.