MIAMI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

PO Box 2070

Miami, Arizona  85539

Phone: (928) 425-3271   Fax (928) 425-7419

Dr. Sherry Dorathy, Superintendent                           Lisa Marquez, Business Manager

February 20, 2018

Dear Parents, Staff and Community,

The recent school tragedy in Florida has had a profound effect on every community across the country.  I hope this communication will help you understand what is already in place and reassure you that the safety of your children is our priority. 

Additionally, you will find the security measures in place in Miami Unified School District.

• Increased accurate and timely communications to parents and staff utilizing text- and email-based School Messenger system.
• Parking lot and exterior lighting has been enhanced at a number of sites that are heavy with evening activities.
• Each school has an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that delineates procedures to follow in an emergency . . . whether it is an evacuation or lockdown. Those plans are reviewed and revised annually with the assistance of security staff and the police department. 
• We have directed all principals to review their site plans in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and monitor points of entry.
• Schools are required to conduct fire drills monthly and at least two lockdown drills each semester. Safety officers, security staff and local law enforcement officers participate in lockdown and evacuation drills. 
• The police departments have aerial maps and schematics of all our sites to assist them in an emergency. Local law enforcement have used our schools for various trainings in order to familiarize themselves with our facilities.
• Police and Fire Departments have access to master keys to enter the buildings.
• District personnel meet regularly with Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Miami Police Department and Tri-City Fire Department to keep open lines of communication and to update practices based on recent events.
• All employees who have unsupervised contact with students are fingerprinted for clearance from DPS. Additionally, all outside contractors and their workers are fingerprinted for clearance as well.
• All school district personnel have district-issued photo identification badges.
• Schools incorporate a visitor management process.
• An active district Crisis Response Team composed of district administrators and key personnel are prepared to respond to any emergency in support of our students and staff.

In closing, we will continue to look at school incidences and what lessons we can learn from them. In addition, we will continue to review and update “best practices” with our security advisors and law enforcement. In the meantime, your support and understanding is especially appreciated.

Respectfully,

Sherry Dorathy, Ed.D.,

Superintendent