Accomack School Leaders, Deputies Attend Statewide Safety Conference

Accomack County Public Schools administrators, School Board members and School Resource Officers joined education and law enforcement officials from across Virginia last week for the 2026 Virginia School Safety Training Forum in Hampton.

The annual conference, hosted by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, brought together local, state and federal K-12 safety leaders to discuss strategies for protecting students and school employees.

Accomack’s delegation included Superintendent Dr. Gennifer Miller, members of the Accomack County School Board and School Resource Officers from the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office.

Conference sessions focused on emergency preparedness and response, threat assessment, behavioral health support, crisis communication, school security technology and cooperation among schools, law enforcement and emergency agencies.

Participants also examined school safety through several stages, including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, as well as the role of a positive school climate in reducing risks and supporting students.

School division officials said attending the forum alongside deputies reinforced the partnership between Accomack County Public Schools and the Sheriff’s Office.

School Resource Officers serve as first responders in emergencies while also working as mentors and familiar members of their school communities. They regularly coordinate with administrators, teachers, students and families as part of the division’s broader safety efforts.

ACPS officials said information and resources gathered at the conference will help guide future safety planning and preparedness throughout the school division.

The division said it will continue reviewing its procedures and working with local, state and federal partners as it prepares for the new school year.

School officials said the goal remains to provide safe, secure and welcoming schools where students can learn and succeed.