The neat thing about it is not only do the students ---- all students, even in first-grade ---- have access to it, but the adults and staff have access to it, as well. So the teachers can model it for the students.

I say to my students we've got DNA but we don't have a device to put to somebody's head to read their mind. What you do is you infer intent from the circumstances.

Even though we're not far below (the county and state averages), we're at a satisfactory place. We want to get better.

They maintain a visible yet understated presence, acting proactively rather than reactively. Students need to feel like they can approach them, or any other staff member, with security concerns. I think we do a good job of making students feel comfortable. That goes a long way toward preventing trouble before it starts.

As a district, we must focus on ensuring our students and staff come to safe schools. Historically, the Board of Education has made that a true priority. Without a safe, secure environment, our students can't learn.

We've always dealt with unruly students. In the past, I think discipline was more severe and perhaps the code of conduct was followed more stringently.