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

  • Kimball International Announces New, Updated Products

    Furnishings manufacturer Kimball International recently announced a series of new and enhanced products for use in education, office, and healthcare spaces, according to a news release.

  • Abstract colorful arrows in front of a contemporary university building

    Spaces4Learning 2025 Trends in Higher Education

    With 2025 well underway, it’s time to take a look at some broader trends submitted by you, our Spaces4Learning readership. We asked for your thoughts on topics like classroom design, health & safety, materials & construction, and technology in both K–12 and higher-education environments. Below is a roundup of 2025 trends in higher education from the experts in the trenches.

  • Boise State University Starts Construction on New Academic Building

    Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, recently broke ground on the new ESI Construction Management Building, according to university news. The university is partnering with Engineered Structures, Inc., for the building’s construction.

  • Exhale Fans Launches New Generation of Bladeless Ceiling Fan

    Exhale Fans recently announced the launch of Gen. 5 of its flagship HVAC delivery product, the world’s only bladeless ceiling fan, according to a news release. The fan provides users with a 10% savings on HVAC energy costs and requires no renovations to current systems to install.