School Safety Advocacy Council

The Recognized Leader in School Safety

Independent Experts. Empowered Leaders. Safer Schools.

The Coalition of School Safety Directors is a national professional group made up of experienced school safety and security directors, school district police chiefs, and safety administrators. Established by the School Safety Advocacy Council in 2023, the Coalition gives professionals responsible for protecting school communities a trusted forum to collaborate, exchange real-world knowledge, and strengthen safety leadership across the country.

Unlike organizations whose missions or activities are influenced by security manufacturers or vendors, the Coalition operates independently of product companies and commercial sales interests. Members recognize that technology providers can play an important role in school safety, but believe that professional standards, best practices, leadership development, and policy discussions must be guided by the needs of schools—not by the promotion of a particular product or service.

Through peer collaboration, professional education, leadership programs, and the sharing of proven practices, the Coalition assists school safety directors and school administrators as they address emerging threats, improve emergency preparedness, evaluate policies and procedures, and build comprehensive safety programs. Its members bring experience from diverse school districts and public safety organizations, allowing the Coalition to connect national insight with the practical realities faced by local schools.

The Coalition’s mission is to advance the school safety profession and help create safer learning environments nationwide. By educating and supporting the leaders who make critical safety decisions every day, the Coalition strengthens professional competency, encourages consistent and effective practices, and ensures that school safety remains centered on students, staff, educators, and the communities they serve.

Email admin@schoolsafety911.org to inquire about coalition membership

Coalition Members

Mr. Curtis Lavarello
Executive Director of the School Safety Advocacy Council & Coalition Chair

Chief Aaron Vanatta
Chief of School Police
Quaker Valley School District, PA

Mr. Kendrick Scott
Director of Safety & Security
Wake County Schools, Raleigh, NC

Mr. Lou Cammiso
Director of Safety & Security
Naperville Schools, IL

Chief Rick Francis
Chief of School Safety
Seminole Co. Schools & Sheriff's Office, FL

Mr. William Sommers
Director of School Safety
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff & School Dist, LA

Mr. Sean Burke
President of the School Safety Advocacy Council & Coalition Vice-Chair

Chairperson Ms. Ashley Stark
Director of Safety & Security
Sedalia School District #200, MO

Chief Howard Cook
Police Chief
Columbia College, SC

Mr. John Ventura
Director of Safety and Security
Fall River Schools, MA

Chief Joe Kozarian
Chief of School Police
Fox Chapel Area Schools, PA

Chief Joe Kozarian
Chief of School Police
Fox Chapel Area Schools, PA

Mr. Eric King
Director of School Safety
Conway Schools, AR

Mr. Brett Robertson
Director of Security
Cherokee Central Schools, NC

Mr. Phil Blaylock
School Safety Director
Morrilton Schools and Police Dept, AR

Mr. Vallard Gross
Chief of Security
Pontiac School District, MI

Ms. Sheri Brinson
Deputy Director of School Safety
Charleston Schools, SC

Mr. Jim Burke
School Safety Coordinator
Macomb Co Emergency Mgmt., MI