Last month, I shared a post written by Christin Kinman of Allegion, about an innovative school security summit she was planning…today’s post is a follow-up about this successful event!

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From Education to Action: Building Safer Schools Through Empathy and Collaboration

Christin Kinman, MPH, CPTED
End User Sales Consultant, Allegion | Women in Security Forum Power 100 Honoree

Photo: Mark Lineberger, MLineimages.com

Last week, my team at Allegion US, in partnership with an incredible group of collaborators, brought a vision to life: the Education to Action School Security Summit. This was more than a conference—it was a call to action. We created a space where school professionals from across the country could come together to learn, connect, and collaborate on one of the most urgent issues of our time: school safety.

With the support of nationally recognized speakers and trainers, we addressed a wide range of critical topics, including:- Behavioral threat assessment  – ALIVE Active Shooter Survival Training  – STOP THE BLEED® emergency response  – Cybersecurity and online child exploitation  – School climate, culture, and bullying prevention  – Understanding the pathway to violence.

This summit was intentionally designed for everyone involved in education, from superintendents and school psychologists to facilities staff and classroom teachers. Our goals were clear:

1. Provide actionable strategies that attendees could implement immediately in their schools and communities.

2. Foster open, cross-disciplinary dialogue that breaks down silos and builds mutual understanding.

We often deliver strong educational content, but fall short when it comes to helping people translate that knowledge into action. That’s why we were intentional about offering hands-on training like STOP THE BLEED® and ALIVE Active Shooter Survival, alongside sessions on bullying prevention, cybersecurity, and identifying early warning signs of violence. We wanted attendees to leave not just informed, but empowered to act.

We also recognized a deeper need: better communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Too often, decisions around school safety are made in isolation. Policies are implemented without input from those most affected, leading to frustration, non-compliance, and unintended consequences.

Photo: Mark Lineberger, MLineimages.com

Consider a common example: a policy requiring classroom doors to remain locked during instruction. While the intent is clear, the reality is more complex. Teachers may prop doors open with magnets to avoid constant disruptions, which can damage locks and compromise security. Facilities teams are overwhelmed with repairs. Teachers feel unheard. The original safety goal is undermined.

What if, instead of issuing top-down directives, we brought all stakeholders to the table? What if we listened—truly listened—with empathy rather than judgment? Teachers could share their daily challenges. Facilities staff could explain technical limitations. And together, they could co-create solutions that are both practical and sustainable.

I’ve also heard from school counselors who feel left out of the safety conversation. These professionals are on the front lines of student mental health every day, yet they’re often excluded from planning and decision-making.

That has to change. Inclusion and collaboration are not optional—they are essential.This event took an incredible amount of work.

Planning this event required our entire team—local, virtual, national marketing, and electronics—rowing together to bring it across the finish line. And it was worth every bit of the effort.

What started as a small idea quickly grew into something much larger, thanks to the overwhelming support of our speakers and partners. I was blown away by the number of experts who volunteered their time and talent—not to promote themselves, but to make a difference. These are the kinds of partners you want in your corner:

• Dewey Cornell – University of Virginia
• Joanna Clodfelter – STELLR DEFENSE
• Justin Heinze – National Center for School Safety
• Simon Osamoh – Kingswood Security Consulting
• Michael Olson, CIS LI, CIS LA – 360 Security Services
• Thasia Palmieri – University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Scott Bakka – Trifecta Security
• Paul Timm, PSP – Allegion US
• Robert Hackenson, Jr. – Dynamic Influence

We also brought in key organizations to ensure attendees left with resources and connections to support them beyond the summit. Special thanks to:

• Justin Heinze and Emily Torres – National Center for School Safety
• Enjoli Gomez and Indu Radhakrishnan – Maryland Department of Health Suicide Prevention Program
• Ron Pierce – Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS)

And to our vendor partners, thank you for your enthusiastic support:

• Eric McPherson and Jeff Allan – Brivo
• Mac Chapman – LenelS2
• Will Paladines and Kerry Stallings-Patrick – Motorola Solutions
• Eric Marks and Chris Smith – Acre Security Training
• Justin Merzeau – Genetec
• Jack Guglielmo and Hugo Neuenschwander – Axis Communications
• Jason Kallio and John Caulfield – Lockmasters Inc.
• Lee Cool – Smart Church Solutions

Finally, I want to recognize my Allegion US team. Your dedication, collaboration, and passion made this event possible. You exemplify what it means to lead with purpose.

They say it takes a village.

I couldn’t agree more.

This summit captured the true spirit of collaboration and partnership. Thank you to everyone who participated and attended.

Let’s keep the momentum going—because #education without #action is only an idea.

Let’s continue to #listen, #collaborate, and #act.

Be safe. Be secure.

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