Free School Safety Conference Set for Sept. 25

Lemont, Ill. — The Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, Oak Park Police and Fire Department, RETA Security and Proviso Area for Exceptional Children invite you to heighten your safety awareness by attending a gathering of experts in the field of school safety and crisis prevention. At no cost to you, come and learn how to enhance the safety and security of your school facility on a day-to-day basis and long term. This vital information will be practical and easy to apply, and there will be ample time for you to ask specific questions. Theodore Roosevelt once said “you never have trouble if you are prepared for it.” This statement takes on significant meaning as schools try to ensure the safety of their students in today’s vulnerable world. We hope you will join us to hear from the subject matter experts.

CPDU/CEU paperwork will be provided on site. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. We have also arranged to have Security vendors on site.

Who Should Attend?

  • District Administrators
  • School Administrators
  • Police & Fire
  • Transportation Directors
  • Parties in Charge of Safety

Guest Speakers and Topics

  • Jonathon E. Monken –Director Illinois Emergency Management Agency
  • Ron Ellis – State Program Director, School & Campus Training Project
    “Discussing Understanding Bomb Threat in a School Environment Setting”
  • David Ruhland – Director of Human Resources Oak Park & River Forest H.S.
    “Discussing The Threat Within: identifying and addressing staff issues that arise in the work place. What are signs of someone that may have the potential of going off the “deep end” in your work place, and what steps might you take to diffuse and treat the symptoms?”
  • Fabian Ramirez – Expert in Anti-Bullying and Drug Prevention Specialist from Dallas Texas
    Discussing Bulling prevention is near to Fabian’s heart simply because he was bullied in middle school and he knows the psychological impact that bullying can have on students.
  • Paul Timm, PSP – RETA Security, Inc. – President
    “Discussing Social Media Risks & Solutions” Schools are faced with the daunting challenge of protecting students, staff, and visitors in an increasingly complicated technology world. Join us in identifying and taming the latest social media risks. At the same time, learn about ways to benefit greatly from social media tools. This informative presentation will also identify state cyber safety requirements. Be ready to use your tablets, smartphones, and laptops!
  • Tony Lebron - Standardized Field Sobriety Testing/Drug Recognition Expert Statewide Coordinator
    “Discussing programs on DITEP - Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals, DRE - Drug Recognition Expert, and ARIDE - Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving enforcement.”
  • Randy Braverman – Director of Campus Safety - Oak Park & River Forest High School Conference and Safety Panel Moderator
  • Jonathon E. Monken –Director Illinois Emergency Management Agency
  • Dr. Sandy Ellis – Instructor, Texas A&M University System, NERRTC, TEEX, Public Safety and Security
  • David Young – FBI – Special Agent – Chicago -Liaison between the Behavioral Analysis Unit and local law enforcement
  • Rick Tanksley – Chief of Police – Oak Park
  • Kenneth Klemm - Deputy Chief of Fire - Oak Park
  • Paul Timm, PSP – RETA Security, Inc. – President
  • Melissa Hemzacek, LSW -Office of the Illinois Attorney General – Internet Safety Specialist
  • LT. William Evans – Cook County Sheriff's Police
  • Dr. Steven Isoye – Superintendent – Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200
  • Dr. Terry Smith – Executive Director – Proviso Area for Exceptional Children
  • John Phelan – School Board President - Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200

Conference Extras

  • View the most current safety products on the market from vendors dedicated to school safety and security.
  • Everyone in attendance will receive a complimentary gift.

Register by 09/09 at www.gbriskcontrol.com/retasecurityregistration/.

Featured

  • Ryan Companies Completes Construction on Three U.S. Charter Schools

    Ryan Companies US, Inc., recently partnered with Red Apple Development (RAD) and Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) to build three new charter schools in South Carolina and Louisiana, according to a news release. Ryan served as general contractor with RAD as the developer of record.

  • Pudu Robotics Launches AI-Powered, Large-Scale Floor Sweeper

    Pudu Robotics recently launched the newest member of its MT1 series of robotic floor sweepers, the PUDU MT1 Max, according to a news release. The AI-powered, 3D perception robotic sweeper was designed for use in large, complex cleaning environments both indoors and semi-outdoors, like parking garages and semi-open building atriums.

  • Texas K–12 District to Build New Elementary, High Schools

    The High Island Independent School District on the Bolivar Peninsula in Southeast Texas recently announced that construction on a new elementary school and a new high school will begin in January 2026, according to local news. Funding will come from a $27.9-million bond passed in May 2025.

  • Texas District Finishes Construction on New Middle School, Admin Building

    The Westwood Independent School District recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Westwood Middle School and Administration Building in Palestine, Texas, according to a news release. The campus covers 106,000 square feet and has the capacity for 650 students in grades 6–8, and it will also play home to the district’s staff and administration.

Digital Edition