The Regional Office of Education #33 is strengthening school safety efforts with the addition of a new reunification trailer, now available to support schools across Henderson, Knox, Mercer, and Warren Counties.
The reunification trailer provides schools with the tools and base of operations needed to safely and efficiently reunite students with their families following an emergency event. These events may include weather-related closures, power outages, hazardous materials, or a crisis requiring a controlled release of students.
“The safety of students is always our top priority,” said Kathryn Jennings, Regional Superintendent of Schools. “In times of crisis, families want reassurance and a clear, organized process for reconnecting with their children. This reunification trailer gives our schools the resources and structure needed to make that happen in a way that is safe, efficient, and less stressful for everyone involved.”
The reunification process, known as the Standard Reunification Method, ensures a predictable and accountable system for releasing students to their parents or guardians. The reunification trailer serves as a central hub for check-in, communication, and coordination among schools, families, and first responders.
By providing schools with access to this mobile resource, ROE #33 is helping districts be prepared, not only for emergencies but also for the recovery process that follows. This initiative was also made possible by Stacey Day, West Central Superintendent, and the Stronger Connections Grant. The Stronger Connections Grant is a competitive, federally funded program under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that provides subgrants to high-need Local Educational Agencies (LEAs). Its purpose is to improve student and educator well-being by funding activities that foster safer, healthier, and more supportive learning environments.
The Regional Office of Education #33 will work with local districts to train staff and establish clear procedures for reunification, ensuring schools are ready to implement the system if needed.
For more information about the reunification trailer or ROE #33’s school safety initiatives, please contact:
Regional School Safety Coordinator Dave Greenlief at Dgreenlief@roe33.net
***Courtesy of the Regional Office of Education #33***
