MSAD 35 collaborated with the Maine School Safety Center and local polic and fire officials on August 17 and 18 to conduct safety and security assessments at all five district schools.
The visit began with a discussion involving district administrators, school leaders and local public safety partners. Jack Peck, Jr., the center’s school emergency management coordinator, and Michelle Legare, its school safety and security coordinator, then joined principals, assistant principals, police and fire officials, and the district’s school resource officers for walkthroughs of each building and its grounds.
Peck and Legare explained that the assessment process helps schools recognize practices that are already working well, identify potential vulnerabilities and address concerns before an emergency occurs. It also strengthens relationships among school leaders and first responders.
“Over the last two days, you could see the relationships being built,” Peck said. “People were asking questions of one another. Safety walkthroughs like this are a chance for different people and perspectives to come together with one focus. Otherwise, some staff might not have the chance to meet the police chief or the fire chief and ask questions. Now they can put a name with a face and all those relationships matter.”
The team visited Marshwood High School, Marshwood Middle School and Eliot Elementary School on August 17, followed by Central School and the Jerry Burnell Great Works School on August 18. Information gathered during the assessments will help the district identify and prioritize opportunities to strengthen safety across its schools.
“Safety is an ongoing priority for Marshwood, and maintaining safe schools requires continued attention and collaboration,” Superintendent Caroline Arakelian said. “This assessment brought together school leaders, local first responders and state safety specialists to help us build on what is working and identify opportunities to continue improving safety across the district.”