How Norristown Schools Are Reimagining Security and Emergency Preparedness

5/21/2025

In an era where school safety demands a multi-dimensional approach, Norristown Area School District in Pennsylvania is rethinking the infrastructure and strategies needed to keep students, staff, and visitors secure. With aging buildings — many over six decades old — the district is prioritizing capital investments around life safety and modern security technology. 

Jeffrey D. Cardwell, Chief Operating Officer for Norristown Area School District recently talked with Dan Weltin, editor-in-chief for the facility market, at the NFMT conference about the school's safety program. 

At the heart of the district’s strategy is a shift in mindset: viewing schools not just as educational institutions, but as critical facilities that must be equipped for any emergency. This includes modernizing camera systems from outdated analog to digital, installing secured vestibules and access control, and applying bullet-resistant film to high-risk glass entryways — all while maintaining a welcoming environment. 

Beyond physical infrastructure, safety planning spans transportation efforts. The district’s hybrid busing system is equipped with GPS tracking, video, and audio recording to monitor incidents and ensure swift emergency response. Even smaller transportation options, such as taxis and vans, follow strict operational standards through contractual agreements. 

Emergency preparedness doesn’t stop at the building door. Norristown schools conduct monthly drills ranging from fire evacuations to hazardous material responses. More recently, they introduced secondary egress drills, forcing staff and students to consider alternate escape routes. These exercises aim to combat complacency and reinforce situational awareness. 

Perhaps most crucially, every school maintains a detailed Emergency Operations Plan, updated annually and shared with local first responders. The district is also developing a reunification strategy with off-site locations like expo centers, ensuring families can be safely reunited during major emergencies. 

Communication with parents about these efforts is critical: updates on health protocols and safety measures are regularly shared through digital platforms and school-wide announcements. 

Norristown offers a compelling case study in integrating facility operations with public safety. Listen to the full conversation for actionable insights into scalable safety practices and real-world implementation.