Beyond Compliance: Crafting Safety Protocols That Preserve School Culture

Ruvna
46:24
Connected Schools Series
Every school leader has asked themselves: "Am I the only one dealing with this?"
Connected Schools exists because the most valuable insights don't come from consultants or conference keynotes—they come from conversations with peers who've walked in your shoes. Our monthly series brings together experienced school leaders, administrators, and safety experts for authentic discussions about the operational challenges that keep you up at night: building safety cultures, managing emergencies, implementing new policies, and creating systems that actually work.
We created this series after hearing from dozens of education leaders who were hungry for real talk from real schools. No product demos, no sales pitches—just practical wisdom from professionals who understand that every decision you make impacts the safety and success of your students.
Webinar Overview
September marks National Campus Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to address one of the most delicate challenges facing independent school leaders: How do you implement comprehensive safety measures without losing the warm, welcoming culture that families choose your school for?
What You'll Experience
✅ Real-World Implementation Stories - Hear from administrators who've updated safety protocols without losing their school's welcoming atmosphere. Our panelists will share what worked, what created pushback, and practical lessons learned from balancing security with culture.
✅ Culture-Conscious Safety Strategies - Discover how schools maintain open campuses, preserve trust-based relationships, and keep personal touches while meeting modern safety expectations and parent concerns.
✅ Community Engagement Approaches - Learn practical methods for getting parent and faculty buy-in for new protocols without creating anxiety, plus communication strategies that build confidence rather than fear.
✅ Beyond Visitor Management - Explore comprehensive approaches to emergency procedures and daily operations that feel natural and supportive rather than restrictive and institutional.
Key Takeaways
You'll leave with practical strategies for implementing safety measures that honor your school's values, communication frameworks that build trust rather than anxiety, and fresh perspectives on common challenges from peers who understand the independent school environment. Most importantly, you'll gain confidence that you can fulfill your safety responsibilities without sacrificing the culture that makes your school special.
Speakers
Robbie Wright
Director of Safety and Security at Gilman School
Robbie Wright serves as Director of Safety and Security at the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland, bringing a unique perspective as both a Gilman alumnus and experienced safety professional. Before joining Gilman, Robbie spent over 13 years as a Corporal with the Baltimore County Police Department. His background in law enforcement and independent school culture provides valuable insights into building comprehensive safety programs that honor both security needs and school community values.
Molly Rumsey
Director of Information Services at Harpeth Hall
Molly Compton Rumsey serves as Director of Information Services at Harpeth Hall School in Nashville, Tennessee, where she has been a leader in educational technology for over 13 years. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools and serves on the Advisory Council for One Schoolhouse. Previously, Molly served as Dean of Students and Math Teacher at Harpeth Hall. Her extensive experience in both technology leadership and student life provides valuable insights into implementing technology solutions that enhance rather than compromise school culture.
Gary Griffin
Director of Security at St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Gary Griffin serves as Director of Security, appointed in 2024. He brings fresh leadership to campus safety operations with a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State University. Gary's recent appointment reflects his commitment to building comprehensive security programs that support the school community's safety and well-being while maintaining the positive campus environment families value.
Moriah Petersen Griffin
Director of Development at Montessori School of Durham
Moriah Petersen Griffin serves as Director of Development at Montessori School of Durham, where she previously managed community engagement and database systems, including crisis response plans and student safety information. A former physics teacher at independent schools including Holton-Arms and The Taft School, Moriah brings a unique perspective on balancing operational safety requirements with the nurturing, community-centered environment that defines independent education.

Beyond Compliance: Crafting Safety Protocols That Preserve School Culture
46:24