1. School Tragedies A Perspective on Lessons Learned
Rick J. Kaufman, APR
Crisis Response Team Leader
Columbine High School Tragedy

2. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
A Visual Remembrance A Time to Remember, A Time to Hope
Dispelling the Columbine Myths The Truth Behind What Happened
What Did We Learn?

3. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
A Leadership Test Response defines the organization; be credible
A Communication Test Foundation for planning, response & recovery
A Professional Test Emerging as a leader & key adviser

4. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
In preparation…
If you start off behind, you will stay behind
Being proactive only keeps you even
Identify chain of command for decision-making, what to do if it breaks down
Site, district plans must have contingencies
Crisis plans must be specific, automatic, tested

5. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
In preparation…
Establish inter-agency protocols in advance
Provide parents/students advance notice of crisis plan, their role in the process
Know who to call; trust in the folks who have the expertise in dealing with crisis

6. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
During the crisis…
Mobilize response team to shield the site, students & staff from outside forces
Make call for assistance before it’s too late
Understand it’s not “business as usual”
Act in short-term, think in long-term
You need soldiers, generals on front lines
Know key messages and stick to them!

7. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
During the crisis…
Don’t let media dominate your time, attention
Stay focused on target audiences
Internal communication is more important
View crisis from “outside in” to gauge public
Anticipate external political, personal agendas
Prepare for ripple effect and copycats

8. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
During the crisis…
Maintain active rumor control
Balance privacy rights of individuals (FERPA) with public’s right to know
Understand law enforcement have other standards for releasing information that may be protected by FERPA, organizational policies
Be firm on media access to facilities, people; no favorites

9. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
In the aftermath…
Crisis has long-term life
Remember healing processes and triggering events
Brace for blame
Continuously update crisis plan; learn from other situations
Train new staff immediately
Retrain all staff annually; don’t forget students

10. A Perspective on Lessons Learned
In the aftermath…
Crisis not only creates character, but reveals it
Seek opportunities to return to normal
Seek closure and commemorate
Take care of yourself and your team
Bring in reinforcements