In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Dr. Marisa Randazzo to discuss the importance of continuous improvement in threat assessment practices. Dr. Randazzo shares her extensive experience in threat assessment, emphasizing the importance of quality training and to regularly evaluate and enhance their threat assessment processes to prevent violence and address potential threats effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Behavioral threat assessment is a critical, evidence-based process used by schools to evaluate and mitigate potential threats 

• Quality training by experienced professionals is critical for effective behavior threat assessment and management 

• The need for continuous improvement in threat assessment practices due to frequent turnover in school personnel and the evolving nature of threats  

Dr. Marisa Randazzo is the Executive Director for Threat Assessment at Raptor Technologies. She brings extensive expertise and experience in threat assessment, threat management, school shootings, and other types of targeted violence and protective intelligence investigations. Previously, she co-founded and led SIGMA Threat Management Associates LLC and served as Executive Director of Threat Management at Ontic. Dr. Randazzo also served for ten years with the U.S. Secret Service, eventually as the agency's Chief Research Psychologist where she co-directed the Safe School Initiative and co-developed the NTAC model, also known as the “federal model” for school threat assessment. Dr. Randazzo is a recognized author of four influential books on threat assessment in educational settings, widely referenced in federal guides and national standards. She holds a Ph.D. and Master's degree from Princeton University and a B.A. from Williams College in Psychology and Religion. Currently, she also serves as Director of Threat Assessment for Georgetown University.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with special guest, TJ Markland, General Manager of PayK12. Pay K12 is a cloud-based software platform that provides districts, schools, and departments within, one digital hub for managing school payments and funds. In this episode, we’ll discuss how schools can reduce risks and improve efficiency in school payments.

Key Takeaways:

• Streamlining Payments: Consolidating all school payments into one platform reduces inefficiencies and strengthens financial security across departments.

• Unified Transaction Management: Leveraging technology to manage both cash and credit transactions on a unified platform enhances transparency and security.

• Emerging Trends: Data interoperability helps schools streamline processes, reduce manual tasks, and improve financial management efficiency.

TJ Markland is a recognized expert in school system payments and the General Manager of PayK12, a cloud-based software platform designed to streamline school payments and financial management. With over five years of experience at PayK12, TJ has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform's capabilities, particularly focusing on reducing risks and improving efficiency in school payment systems. Before joining PayK12, TJ worked for a payments company that built its own payment gateway for vertically integrated SaaS (Software as a Service), helping companies easily accept payments. Under TJ's leadership, PayK12 has grown significantly, now serving over 5,000 administrators across 23 states. PayK12 has recently become part of the Raptor Technologies family, allowing the integration of payment systems with safety and security features, further enhancing the offerings for school districts.

In today’s episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, join host Dr. Amy Grosso as she sits down with Michael Matthews, the Director of Operations for the Fairview Park City School District in the Greater Cleveland Area. Together, they discuss the crucial preparations and strategies necessary for ensuring a safe return to school for students and staff.

KEY POINTS:

• The importance of balancing physical safety measures with the well-being of students and staff

• Implementing small, manageable changes over time rather than overwhelming staff with large-scale reform

• The critical role of engaging the entire school community, including staff and local agencies

Our guest, Michael Matthews, is the Director of Operations for the Fairview Park City School District in the Greater Cleveland Area. Michael oversees all operational aspects of the district, including business affairs and human resources. With fifteen years of experience as an Elementary Principal and Associate Middle School Principal and eight years as an Elementary Teacher, Michael is dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of students and staff in every decision, ensuring that all stakeholders have the essential tools for success.