Being an AFSA member means you never lead alone. Your membership provides a comprehensive ecosystem of protection, savings, and support—covering you in high-stakes moments and supporting your everyday life.
Today, along with many of our members, CPAA learned that CPS is considering amending the school calendar by designating May 1, 2026, as a Day of Civic Action with no student attendance. CPAA was not part of the decision-making process; however, CPS is now in discussion with all labor partners - including CPAA — about this decision and its impact on Chicago’s learners.
We are unclear about whether or not the Chicago Board of Education will take up a vote to amend the calendar to a non-attendance day as several key details remain unknown.
We understand the burden this places on school leaders and the questions it creates within your communities. We also know that when school leaders have timely, consistent communication and adequate resources, we are more successful in managing similar uncertainties and quick turnaround times. We have faced similar challenges in the past and we will approach this situation with thoughtful and responsible leadership.
CPAA is pressing the district for clarity and will share updates as soon as they are available. Please continue to elevate your concerns to your Auxiliary leads or other CPAA union leadership. In order to advocate effectively on your behalf and ensure we can negotiate how this impacts you and your school community, we must hear these concerns directly and advocate through the union process.
We will continue to gather information to provide clear guidance and ensure your rights are protected as we navigate this decision and the impact it has on your school communities.
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
Principal Kirk Moore of Pauls Valley High School in Oklahoma saved lives this week by confronting an armed gunman entering his school, taking a bullet to the leg while protecting his students and staff. While he is rightly being called a hero, he would likely say he was simply doing his job. That is exactly what school principals do, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their students, staff, and communities. His actions underscore the urgent need to strengthen protections for school leaders and all educators working in our nation’s schools.
We are incredibly proud of Principal Moore and thankful that his injuries were not more severe. His courageous decision to confront an armed gunman and take a bullet while protecting students and staff is what heroes are made of. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and the entire school community as he recovers both physically and mentally. By all accounts, his actions prevented a far greater tragedy. He is a hero to all of us.
Every day principals and school leaders stand on the front lines, ensuring safe, supportive learning environments while navigating increasingly complex and often volatile challenges. They, along with teachers and school support staff, deserve to do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Incidents like this are not isolated and they send shockwaves across neighboring districts and throughout the country, creating fear and uncertainty for school leaders, educators, students and families alike. Far too often, these acts of violence risk becoming just another headline, rather than the national crisis they truly are.
This tragedy underscores a disturbing and persistent trend. For more than a decade, AFSA has raised alarms about the growing rise in harassment, intimidation and violence directed at school leaders. These acts not only endanger individuals, but they destabilize entire school communities and undermine the core mission of teaching and learning.
AFSA is calling for immediate, coordinated action at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes the creation of a National School Safety Task Force to develop actionable, nationwide recommendations to ensure safer learning and working environments. It also includes advancing legislation to establish or enhance criminal penalties for violence perpetrated against school personnel.
At the same time, prevention must be a priority. Schools need stronger threat assessment systems, improved coordination with law enforcement, adequate safety staffing and comprehensive training to identify and address risks before they escalate into violence.
Schools must remain places of safety and learning, not fear and violence. Protecting school leaders, educators, and staff is not optional, it is essential. This moment demands action. AFSA stands ready to support impacted communities with crisis response...
