As of June 2025, New York State’s Commissioner’s Regulation (CR) 155.17 requires school districts and BOCES to take significant steps to ensure student safety, emergency preparedness, and trauma-informed practices. This regulation outlines detailed requirements for planning, training, communication, and reporting, all aimed at creating safer, more responsive school environments.

To help school leaders stay compliant, here’s a breakdown of key action items and deadlines:

Planning and Documentation Requirements

Update and Adopt Safety Plans by September 1

• Ensure district-wide school safety plans and building-level emergency response plans are reviewed, updated, and adopted annually by September 1.
• Confirm that remote instruction protocols during emergency school closures are incorporated (starting from the 2023–2024 school year).

Ensure Inclusion of New Definitions and Teams

• Revise all safety plans to include:
  • Definitions of disaster, trauma, trauma-informed, and trauma-informed drills.
  • Updated terminology and responsibilities for school safety teams and emergency response teams.

Drill and Training Implementation

Implement Trauma-Informed Drill Procedures

• Revise emergency drill protocols to:
  • Prohibit use of props, actors, simulations, or mimicry of real-life violence.
  • Be age-appropriate and trauma-informed.
  • Ensure students and staff are informed it’s a drill (except for evacuation drills).
  • Provide advance parental notice within one week prior to any drill involving students.

Comply with Specific Drill Frequency and Structure

• Schedule and document:
  • 8 evacuation drills per year (6 before Dec. 31, with variation in time and location).
  • 4 lockdown drills per year (2 before Dec. 31).
  • 1 emergency early dismissal drill, with parent notification at least one week in advance.
  • Drills during night hours for schools with sleeping accommodations.
  • 2 summer school evacuation drills (if applicable).

Plan Components and Training Requirements

Enhance Prevention and Intervention Strategies

• Develop or participate in behavioral assessment or threat assessment teams (school, district, or county-level).
• Provide annual staff training on team purpose and emergency procedures.
• Incorporate de-escalation and nonviolent conflict resolution training for safety officers and staff.

Update Communication Protocols

• Establish or strengthen:
  • Anonymous reporting systems.
  • Youth-led programs, peer mediation, and mentoring forums.
  • Communication strategies between students, staff, and parents on reporting threats or concerns.

Distribute Informational Materials

• Share materials on:
  • Early detection of violent behaviors.
  • Family, community, and environmental risk factors.
  • Ensure dissemination to teachers, administrators, bus drivers/monitors, parents, and students.

Mapping, Submission, and Confidentiality

Ensure Updated and Accurate Floor Plans

• For each school, verify that maps and schematics:
  • Include labeled exits, fire safety equipment, and emergency resources.
  • Are updated, clearly marked, and accessible to first responders.

Submit Building-Level Plans Annually by October 1

• Submit plans and any amendments to:
  • Local law enforcement
  • New York State Police
• Ensure confidentiality and restricted access to building-level plans.

Chief Emergency Officer Duties

Assign and Empower the Chief Emergency Officer

• Designate the superintendent or designee as Chief Emergency Officer.
• Responsibilities include:
  • Coordinating staff training.
  • Overseeing trauma-informed drills.
  • Ensuring plans and protocols are implemented in all buildings.

Reporting Requirements

Timely Emergency Reporting

• Immediately report to the Commissioner when:
  • An emergency response plan is activated and results in school closure (excluding routine snow days).
• Ensure BOCES coordination for joint reporting, where applicable.

Technology Access Survey Submission

• Submit annual student device and internet access survey results by June 30 each year using the Commissioner’s format.

Checklist Summary for Compliance

Area	Required Action	Deadline
Safety Plan Adoption	Update & adopt plans	Sept 1 (annual)
Emergency Drill Schedule	Complete required drills	Throughout school year
Remote Learning Inclusion	Integrate into plans	By 2023–2024
Behavioral Assessment Team	Create/participate & train	Annual
Plan Submission	Send to law enforcement	By Oct 1 (annual)
Emergency Reporting	Notify commissioner	ASAP post-closure
Technology Survey	Submit results	By June 30 (annual)
Parent Notification	For emergency drills	Min. 1 week prior

 

Shared by Jim Mills

Vice President for Program and Events, Buffalo/Niagara PDK

In today’s interconnected world, where digital platforms dominate communication and networking, the significance of professional organizations often gets overlooked. These organizations, however, serve as crucial hubs where professionals from diverse backgrounds come together to collaborate, share knowledge, and advance their careers. Whether you’re just starting in your field or looking to expand your influence, joining a professional organization can significantly amplify your success.

• Building a Network – One of the most apparent advantages of joining a professional organization is the opportunity to build a network of like-minded individuals. These networks span industries, disciplines, and geographic locations, offering you access to vast expertise and experience. Networking within these organizations can open doors to mentorship, job opportunities, partnerships, and even friendships that can last a lifetime.
• Knowledge Sharing and Learning – Professional organizations are often at the forefront of industry trends and developments. They provide members access to conferences, workshops, seminars, and webinars where the latest research, best practices, and innovations are shared. This continuous learning environment enriches your perspective, exposes you to new ideas, and provides opportunities for collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions and professional growth.
• Career Advancement – Membership in a reputable professional organization can significantly bolster your career prospects. Many organizations offer certifications, awards, and recognition programs that can distinguish you in your field. Additionally, involvement in committees or leadership roles within these organizations allows you to demonstrate leadership skills and expand your influence within your industry.
• Advocacy and Influence – Professional organizations often advocate for their members on broader industry or professional issues. They engage in lobbying, policy-making, and public relations activities to promote their members’ interests and values. By participating in these advocacy efforts, you can contribute to shaping your field’s future and positively impacting society.
• Personal Growth and Support – Beyond professional benefits, joining a professional organization can contribute to your personal growth. It provides opportunities for personal development, such as improving communication skills, building confidence, and gaining a broader perspective on industry challenges. Moreover, being part of a community of professionals who share similar goals and aspirations can provide invaluable emotional and moral support throughout your career journey.

In conclusion, the power of connection through professional organizations cannot be overstated. These organizations catalyze career advancement, knowledge acquisition, and personal growth. By actively participating in such communities, you expand your professional network and gain access to resources and opportunities that can propel your career to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, joining a professional organization can be a transformative step toward achieving your career aspirations.

As PDK Buffalo/Niagara Chapter members, we invite you to enjoy the benefits included in the  “Power of Connectiveness”!

 

Susan Whittaker

Vice President for Program and Events, Buffalo/Niagara PDK