The Power of Preparation: Lessons from a Critical Incident

 

This episode of the School Safety Today podcast, by Raptor Technologies, features an in-depth discussion with Dr. David Diehl, Director of Student and Community Services at Selma Unified School District (CA), about the critical role of preparation in ensuring school safety. Dr. Diehl shares his experiences, including a pivotal crisis incident, and emphasizes how proper planning, technology, and a culture of safety can mitigate risks and enhance crisis responses in schools.

KEY POINTS:

  • A well-executed reunification process is critical for the safe return of students to their guardians in crises, reducing the potential for miscommunication or harm.
  • Detailed, actionable emergency plans tailored to specific scenarios are essential. They should include realistic drills and role-specific responsibilities for staff.
  • Using technology to streamline crisis management through providing real-time student accountability, ensuring efficient communication and deployment of resources during emergencies.

Our guest, Dr. David Diehl, is the Director of Student and Community Services for the Selma Unified School District (CA). He was previously a Coordinator of MTSS and an Assistant Principal for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Before entering education, he retired as a police sergeant after 24 years in law enforcement. Dr. Diehl’s Doctoral research was inspired by the 21 students he lost to gang-related homicides while teaching in a Central California court school. He has worked extensively with system-involved youth in court schools, community day schools, and alternative education settings. A sought-after speaker and published author, Dr. Diehl is a proponent of data-informed interventions prior to 6th grade, along with providing educators with increased awareness into the lives of street-socialized students from marginalized communities. He believes this approach can improve student engagement, increase resilience, and impede future incarceration.

Recent Episodes

Across the country, education savings accounts (ESAs) are reshaping how families think about schooling—but in Utah, surging demand is outpacing available options. Last year, roughly 27,000 students applied for Utah’s ESA program, but only 10,000 scholarships were available. While parental interest in alternative education is booming, a new bottleneck is emerging: the supply of…

As America reevaluates what its public schools are truly for, new questions emerge about the purpose, performance, and priorities of K–12 education. A system once centered around teaching the “three Rs” now juggles responsibilities as diverse as social services, values instruction, and community governance. Yet, despite these ambitions, a growing chorus of education experts…

In the ever-evolving world of veterinary medicine, the path from student to professional can feel overwhelming. Between grueling board exams and the emotional toll of animal care, aspiring veterinarians and vet techs are often in need of more than just textbooks—they need a support system. That’s where digital platforms like VetPrep and VetTechPrep have…