PACE Day delivers opportunities to learn about school safety
PACE Administrator Dave Harvey (right) moderates the “Ask the Attorney” panel at PACE Day: Safe and Secure Schools on Thursday at the Salem Convention Center. (Photo by Rachel Baker, OSBA)
PACE held a reconfigured day of networking and learning Thursday at the Salem Convention Center.
This year, PACE Day offered four session periods with five workshop choices each session. Attendees could choose among breakouts covering topics such as limiting cyber liability, navigating Title IX, handling third-party contracts, responding to public records requests and avoiding employment lawsuits. Attendees also submitted legal questions to be answered during the popular “Ask the Attorney” panel at the end of the day.
Property and Casualty Coverage for Education is an insurance pool made up of roughly 300 Oregon member school districts, charter schools, education service districts and community colleges. The annual PACE Day provides safety education and networking opportunities.
More than 200 people attended. Between sessions, booths gave attendees the chance to network with partners, sponsors and exhibitors. A SawStop demonstration showed how the high-tech power saw prevents injuries, which is why PACE has continued to fund grants for their use in schools across Oregon.
The day also included PACE Awards for a program, individual and the statewide Safety Star.
“Nothing is more important to us than getting every child and every employee home safe, every day,” said PACE Administrator Dave Harvey. “That requires a lot of planning from our members, and through the PACE Awards we can thank them for their hard work.”
Gail Lockard, risk management coordinator of the Oregon City School District, was recognized as the Safety Star for developing an emergency preparedness program and reunification plan and for creating a culture of safety that has helped reduce workers compensation claims. The award carries with it $5,000 from PACE to be used in a school safety improvement effort
The Tigard-Tualatin School District was recognized for developing secure vestibules as part of remodeling, installing cameras in key locations and installing automatic door-closure buttons in case of lockdown or lockout. The district is also working closely with five separate law enforcement agencies and fire responders and has coordinated that work with staff and designers.
Larry Glaze, director of operations and facilities for the InterMountain Education Service District, was honored for developing a comprehensive safety and facilities program. He has also received radon training, improved energy efficiency and developed a five-year maintenance plan.
- Rachel Baker, OSBA
rbaker@osba.org