Westminster School District to Present at National Safe Schools Conference
July 2, 2026
As Westminster School District prepares for the 2026-27 school year, district leaders will take the national stage to share what has helped make WSD the Safest K-8 School District in Orange County.
From July 8-10, Westminster School District will present at the National Safe Schools Conference in Garden Grove, where educators, law enforcement professionals, mental health experts, and school leaders from across the country will gather to discuss strategies that support safe and successful schools.
WSD's presentation, "Building Safer Schools Through Tiered Supports and Whole-Child Partnerships," will highlight the district's belief that school safety goes beyond physical security. While secure campuses remain essential, WSD's approach also focuses on student wellness, family engagement, attendance, intervention, and community partnerships.
For families, that means safety is not limited to what happens at the school gate.
Across all 17 schools, WSD maintains single points of entry, campus-wide camera systems, visitor screening through the Raptor Visitor Management System, annual safety and crisis response plans, regular emergency drills, and School Resource Officers who partner with schools throughout the year. The district also maintains the highest ratio of School Resource Officers to students among Orange County elementary school districts.
At the same time, WSD invests in the supports that help students feel connected and successful at school. Through PBIS and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), students are connected with the level of support they need, whether through universal schoolwide programs or more intensive interventions. Students also have access to counselors, psychologists, social-emotional learning programs, attendance outreach services, and intervention specialists dedicated to helping students overcome challenges before they become barriers to success.
Families benefit from a variety of resources as well, including the Helping Hands Pantry, clothing and hygiene assistance, foster youth and homeless supports, family resource connections, attendance recovery services, and partnerships with local organizations that help meet students' basic needs.
These supports are all connected for a balanced approach. When students feel safe, supported, and engaged, they are more likely to attend school regularly, build positive relationships, and achieve academically.
WSD's conference presentation will showcase how the district has strengthened these efforts through partnerships with the Orange County Department of Education and the Orange County Sheriff's Department. During the 2025-26 school year, more than 80 staff members—including counselors, psychologists, specialists, administrators, and district leaders—received training in threat assessment and coordinated response practices designed to better identify and address student needs.
The presentation will also highlight the district's attendance recovery efforts and community partnerships with organizations such as the Westminster Family Resource Center, Westminster Police Department, and the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster. Together, these partnerships help connect families with resources that support student well-being, improve engagement, and remove barriers that may impact attendance.
"Parents want to know their children are safe when they come to school each day," said Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph. D. "That starts with secure campuses and strong safety practices, but it also includes mental health support, family resources, trusted relationships, and partnerships throughout the community. We are proud to share Westminster School District's work at the National Safe Schools Conference and to learn alongside school leaders from across the country as we continue strengthening the supports that help our students thrive."
Being selected to present at the conference reflects the work of staff, families, community partners, and local agencies that have helped shape WSD's comprehensive approach to school safety. It also provides an opportunity for district leaders to bring back new ideas and best practices that will continue strengthening support for Westminster students and families.
At Westminster School District, safety is not viewed as a single program or initiative. It is a districtwide commitment to protecting students, supporting families, and ensuring every child has access to the resources they need to succeed.
Families can learn more about WSD's safety programs and resources.
Parents interested in joining a district where students are safe, supported, and prepared for success can learn more about Open Enrollment.