The Missouri Safe Schools Initiative began in May 2006 when the Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) embraced the idea of the Office of Homeland Security (OHS) working with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), as well as other relevant organizations and individuals, to create a working group to consider issues relating to school safety. In June 2006, the K-12 level Homeland Security Safe Schools Working Group was established and continues to promote school safety and security in Missouri schools today. A unified seamless approach to school safety in the State is one of our most basic goals, and of the highest priority for Missouri's homeland security program.

While professional organizations that are stakeholders in the safety and security aspects of K-12 education in Missouri have been the primary focus for membership of the Working Group, the people serving as representatives are in most cases actual practitioners (school superintendents, principals, teachers, nurses, fire, law enforcement, etc.) from Missouri educational institutions or the first responder community.

The Safe Schools Initiative has continued to expand since its first inception with the addition of tackling bully prevention, pandemic planning for schools, a Missouri Alert Network, an Emergency Resource Information Plan, and a Homeland Security Higher Education Working Group. For More Information About Each Program Visit Our Programs Page.