Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is committed to making schools a safe place for our children to learn and grow.

Yes. Each school in our district has a comprehensive safety plan, shared with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Board of Education and the Madison Police Department. These plans outline prevention strategies, response procedures and recovery steps for emergencies.

Each school's plan includes confidential details for staff and emergency responders, such as contact information, staff and student rosters, evacuation sites and local safety hazards. These plans are regularly updated and serve as guides for ongoing safety improvements.

We also maintain a District Safety Plan, with annual updates submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of School Safety.

No. MMSD Board Policy 4234 forbids any person from carrying a weapon on school property or while participating in a school sponsored activity. Exceptions may be made for:

• Law enforcement officers who are acting within the scope of their employment

Strict action will be taken against anyone who violates this policy.

Safety options for all MMSD sites are continually reviewed and updated. Based on best practices and industry standards across the nation, as well as working closely with our own law enforcement partners, we have determined that hand-held metal detection is a better option and is used in schools, buildings and events as needed. 

Yes. This is part of each school's Safety Plan. However, some programs or buildings may have a more restrictive system in place as needed. Even main entrances are locked during the day. The exception would be at arrival, dismissal, and open campus lunch for high school only. 

Yes. This is required at all schools. All school visitors shall secure a visitor’s pass from the BUILDING PRINCIPAL or his/her designee. MMSD uses a tool called Visitor Aware to allow guests access to our schools and buildings. 

Please read the MMSD Board Policy for more information:
Board Policy 4005

Safety options for all MMSD sites are continually reviewed and updated. Access to buildings is continually being upgraded through staffing, technology solutions and capital improvement efforts. We use visitor aware, access control like key cards and cameras as well.

As noted earlier, schools attempt to balance the safety and security of our staff and students with the desire to provide a welcoming environment to families and the community. However, safety will always be the first consideration.

Doors are locked at all times, except during the times noted above and during specific events.

Yes. All classrooms are equipped with a Salto lock that automatically locks and stays locked during the school day. 

Yes.

No. However, several of our MMSD schools have School Security Assistants to support the safety of our schools. We partner with the Madison Police Department for routine events such as homecoming events, dances and athletic events, and in times where we partner in response to an incident. 

Yes. Video surveillance is used at a number of locations throughout Madison Metropolitan School District and also remotely monitored. 
 

Yes. Since 2014, MMSD has utilized Standard Response Protocol for responding to any emergency hazard, including an active threat inside a building. 

In March 2018, the Wisconsin Legislature enacted Act 143 to encourage school districts to analyze and improve emergency procedures and protocols. As a part of Act 143, districts are required to conduct annual school safety assessments, submit school safety plans annually, conduct school violence drills and train all staff on mandatory reporting of threats of school violence.

The main message to elementary students is to remain calm and quiet and follow the instructions of their classroom teachers. Procedures involve ensuring classroom doors are locked and moving children to the least visible areas in the room. 

Learn more about Standard Response Protocol
 

Yes. School social workers and counselors will work directly with those in need or facilitate services through the appropriate community partners. Additional safety resources can be found below. 

View Safety Resources