School Safety and Security

The Hillside Public Schools School Security & Safety Department is committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment where students can learn, staff can work, and families can feel confident that safety remains a districtwide priority.

Working collaboratively with district and school administrators, staff, students, families, local law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners, the department supports comprehensive safety practices throughout Hillside Public Schools. Our work includes emergency preparedness and response, school security procedures, safety planning, access and visitor management, staff training, and the ongoing review of practices designed to protect our school communities.

We believe effective school safety extends beyond physical security. It is built through preparedness, communication, collaboration, awareness, and positive relationships. Through a proactive and coordinated approach, the School Security & Safety Department works to ensure that every member of the Hillside Public Schools community feels safe, supported, and prepared.

The mission of the Hillside Public Schools School Security & Safety Department is to protect and support our students, staff, families, and visitors by maintaining safe, secure, and welcoming learning environments throughout the district. Through proactive planning, prevention, preparedness, collaboration, and effective emergency response, we strive to create school communities where safety supports student achievement and well-being.

Our vision is for every Hillside Public Schools student and staff member to learn, work, and grow in an environment where they feel safe, respected, supported, and prepared. We envision a district in which safety is a shared responsibility, strengthened through trusted relationships, continuous improvement, effective training, and strong partnerships among our schools, families, first responders, and the greater Hillside community.