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Safety and Crisis Management

school resource officer and student

At Asheville City Schools, the safety and well-being of every student, staff member, and visitor is our most vital mission. We are committed to maintaining a secure environment that allows all students to learn, discover, and thrive from the moment they leave home until they safely return. ACS Safety and Emergency Management is led by Josh Rigsby in collaboration with stakeholders from every school as well as outside agencies like the Asheville Police Department, Asheville Fire Department, and Buncombe County Emergency Services.

Comprehensive Safety and Crisis Planning

ACS utilizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to security that integrates physical measures with strong community partnerships and proactive planning:

  • Integrated Emergency Plans: We maintain a detailed Comprehensive Safe Schools Plan that outlines procedures for mitigating, preparing for, and responding to a wide range of situations, including natural disasters and other emergency incidents.

  • Adherence to Best Practices: Our emergency response is structured using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS). This ensures a standardized, coordinated, and effective response when multiple agencies are involved.

  • Routine Preparedness: We conduct regular safety drills (including fire, tornado, perimeter, and full lock-downs) and provide consistent training for all staff on emergency protocols. These protocols are constantly evaluated and updated to keep in line with National safety standards and best practices.

  • Physical Security Measures: We continually enhance the security of our campuses through measures like secured entrances, visitor check-in systems, and video monitoring.

Strong Partnerships for Safety

Safety at ACS is a collaborative effort involving dedicated individuals both within and outside the district:

  • First Responder Collaboration: We maintain robust working relationships with our local first responders, including the Asheville Police Department and the Asheville Fire Department. These agencies are integral members of our District-Wide Safety Team, assisting with planning, training, and emergency response coordination.

  • School Resource Officers (SROs): Our SROs are on campus daily, serving as key figures in campus security, crisis management, and positive mentorship for our students.

  • Transportation Team: We recognize the tireless work of our Bus Drivers and Transportation Department, who are critical partners in ensuring the safe transport of our students to and from school every day.

 

Dedicated Leadership

The district's security efforts are led by our District Safety Officer, Josh Rigsby. Mr. Rigsby is responsible for overseeing our safety measures, leading training, monitoring environmental conditions, developing school safety plans, and coordinating closely with first responders and school staff. His leadership and proactive approach are essential to the security of the ACS community. Some of Mr. Rigsby's credentials include but are not limited to:

  • 11 years of active Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Western North Carolina
  • Field Training Officer with Fire, Rescue, and EMS Departments
  • Certified Active Shooter Response Instructor with National Credentials 
  • Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief
  • Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief

Not only is Mr. Rigsby a dedicated member of our Cougar Crew who ensures the safety of our staff and students each day, he is also an active ACS parent whose wife is a beloved ACS Elementary Drama Teacher.