Safe Return: How Schools Can Prepare for a Back-to-School, Part 2
In this episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso speaks with Craig Straw, Director of Safety and Emergency Management for Houston ISD, about comprehensive back-to-school safety strategies. Straw draws on his 27-year Air Force career and school safety experience to discuss holistic preparedness covering active threats, natural disasters, mental health, and community engagement. He emphasizes ongoing training, open communication, and collaboration with external agencies as essential pillars of a safe school environment.
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Key takeaways
A holistic school safety approach must address active shooter threats, natural disasters, technological hazards, and mental health crises — not just physical security.
Staff training, mental health support systems, and active parent involvement are critical components of a secure school environment.
Building strong relationships within schools and with external agencies, combined with ongoing communication, strengthens emergency preparedness and response.
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In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso sat down with Craig Straw, Director of Safety and Emergency Management for Houston Independent School District (HISD). Listen and learn as he shares his experiences and strategies for back-to-school preparations and school safety management.
KEY POINTS:
- Holistic Approach to School Safety to not only prevent active shooter incidents but also prepare for natural disasters, technological hazards, and mental health crises
- The role of training, mental health support, and the involvement of parents in creating a secure environment
- Ongoing training, open communication, and building relationships within the school and external agencies
Craig Straw is the Director of Safety and Emergency Management for Houston Independent School District (HISD), the largest school district in Texas and the eighth largest in the United States. As the first person to hold this position, Craig serves as the top advisor to the HISD Chief of Police and the Superintendent of Schools. His role encompasses managing strategic, operational, and tactical emergency operation plans, standard response protocols, and school safety audits. He is also responsible for training staff in daily operations, including mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery during emergencies. Craig's career in school safety began after a distinguished 27-year tenure in the United States Air Force, where he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. His military experience and passion for service led him to transition into school safety roles in Clear Creek ISD and Texas City ISD before joining HISD. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has earned certifications in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design and Infrastructure Protection from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. Craig is also a dedicated member of The "I Love U Guys" Foundation Board and the National Center for Spectator Sport Safety and Security Board. He is actively involved in the International Association of Emergency Managers, serving on the K-12 Caucus, where he continues to advocate for and contribute to the field of school safety. Craig's commitment to school safety is driven by his belief in both the moral and legal responsibility to protect every life on campus every day.
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