Conway Public Schools District conducted its 2nd annual City-Wide Crisis Drill on August 8th, 2024, at Simon Middle School, marking another milestone in ensuring the safety and security of students and staff before the new school year. Organized by CPSD Director of Safety Eric King, in collaboration with Superintendent Dr. Jeff Collum, Deputy Superintendent Jason Black, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Andy Ashley, the drill was an essential step in refining emergency response protocols.
This year's drill brought together CPSD school resource officers, Conway Police Department, Conway Fire Department, Faulkner County Sheriff’s Department, Pafford Emergency Medical Services, and Little Rock MedFlight in a collaborative, year-long planning effort. The drill consisted of several crisis scenarios that tested communication, coordination, and response among first responders and school personnel.
“Ensuring our schools are prepared for any crisis is a top priority,” said Eric King, Director of Safety. “This annual drill provides the opportunity to bring all the key players together, so we are able to strengthen our communication and strategies. It's not just about reacting to situations; it's about finding areas where we can be proactive as well.”
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Collum emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating, "The safety of our students and staff is paramount. We are grateful for the dedication of our community's first responders and their commitment to partnering with our district. These drills enhance our readiness and demonstrate our collective effort to safeguard our schools."
The drill was live-streamed by the district technology team, allowing district leadership—including superintendents, directors, supervisors, and principals—to observe and evaluate the proceedings in real time. This provided a unique opportunity for ongoing learning and development in crisis response for school administrators.
“This event reinforces our commitment to crisis preparedness,” said Deputy Superintendent Jason Black. “We’re thankful for the support from our community and look forward to future drills at our junior high and high school campuses, further solidifying our emergency response plans.”
The event was a success, thanks to the involvement of the entire community and the leadership of local first responder teams. CPSD would also like to extend a special thank you to Centennial Bank for generously providing lunch for all participants.
Conway Public Schools will continue its efforts to prioritize safety and looks forward to future collaborations that ensure the well-being of every student and staff member.
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Collum speaking at the CPSD City Wide Crisis Drill
Deputy Superintendent Jason Black speaking at the CPSD City Wide Crisis Drill
Director of Safety and Security Eric King speaking at the CPSD City Wide Crisis Drill
Little Rock MedFlight
Crisis Drill in action
