Creating a Unified Approach to Safety Across Schools and Community
Opportunity
Pulaski County and Pulaski County Public Schools share a unified vision: to create one of the safest communities in the region for students, staff, and residents. With a long-standing partnership with Status Solutions dating back to 2015, the County had already begun building a foundation for enhanced safety and situational awareness.
However, like many communities, safety systems across buildings and schools were not fully centralized or actionable in real time. Schools needed a faster, more accessible way to call for help during emergencies, while the County sought a way to bring together critical systems such as fire panels, burglar alarms, and other infrastructure into a single, unified view.
Additionally, Pulaski County Public Schools were eager to take a proactive approach to safety and get started quickly. The Grant of Use model provided an ideal entry point, allowing the district to implement safety tools immediately while building toward a more comprehensive, long-term solution.
Solution
Pulaski County and Pulaski County Public Schools partnered with Status Solutions to implement SARA, creating a connected, real-time safety ecosystem across both the school district and County-owned facilities.
The initiative began with the deployment of Grant of Use dashboard buttons within schools, providing staff with an immediate and simple way to trigger alerts and communicate during incidents. This laid the groundwork for a broader, more integrated safety strategy.
Building on that foundation, the solution expanded to include:
- Mobile duress buttons in every school, enabling staff to instantly call for help in the event of an emergency, no matter where they are on campus
- SARA deployment across all County-owned buildings, creating a unified platform for monitoring and response
- Integration of critical systems, including burglar panels, fire panels, and additional infrastructure, all feeding into one centralized interface
- Real-time data sharing with the 911 dispatch center, ensuring first responders have immediate visibility into incidents as they occur
This cohesive approach transformed previously siloed systems into one centralized platform, empowering both school officials and County leadership with the awareness and tools needed to act quickly and confidently.
The partnership also extends beyond technology. Through collaboration with the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and the Status Solutions Network, the community is actively engaged in supporting and sustaining school safety initiatives.
Rob Graham, Superintendent of Schools, emphasized, “I firmly believe that a safe and nurturing environment is the foundation of quality education. Through our partnership with Status Solutions and the integration of their situational awareness platform, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students and staff. This collaboration is a significant step towards instilling a sense of peace and comfort for our teachers, students, and their families”
Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator, added, “Our goal has always been to create a safer, more connected community for everyone who lives, works, and visits Pulaski County. By bringing our systems together and improving how we communicate across departments, we are better equipped to respond in real time and support both our residents and visitors.”
Results
Pulaski County and Pulaski County Public Schools now operate with a fully connected safety ecosystem that enhances response times, improves communication, and strengthens overall situational awareness.
Key outcomes include:
- Real-time visibility across all schools and County buildings through a centralized platform
- Immediate emergency response capabilities with mobile duress buttons in every school
- Seamless integration of fire, burglar, and other critical systems into one interface
- Direct communication of actionable data to 911 dispatch for faster, more informed response
- A scalable safety infrastructure that continues to evolve with community needs
- A sustainable model for school safety through community involvement and funding support
Mike Mooney, Board of Supervisors and School Safety Committee Member, expressed his enthusiasm about the extended partnership, stating, “The prosperity of our County lies in the well-being and development of our youth, and we are steadfast in our commitment to student safety and ensuring that the Pulaski County Public School System is the safest division in the region. This is in part made possible through the trusted partnership we have had for numerous years with Status Solutions, and their shared values in helping us to reach an even higher level of teacher and student safety.
By aligning County leadership, school officials, and local businesses around a shared mission, Pulaski County has created a proactive, community-driven approach to safety that sets a new standard for both education and public sector environments.
Looking Ahead
Building on this strong foundation, Pulaski County is expanding its focus to create a comprehensive, countywide communication strategy that keeps both residents and visitors informed and engaged. With major events and new destinations on the horizon, including a growing tourism footprint and new sports and entertainment venues, the County is working to deliver clear, coordinated messaging across all departments. Future efforts will focus on enhancing communication before, during, and after events, reducing notification fatigue, and extending visibility to local businesses and community partners through the Status Solutions Network. By connecting businesses with schools and the broader community, this approach helps create a sustainable funding model that supports ongoing safety initiatives while strengthening the local ecosystem. Pulaski County is positioning itself as a leader in delivering a safe, connected, and engaging experience for everyone who lives in or visits the community.
About Pulaski County
Pulaski County, Virginia is a vibrant community in the heart of the New River Valley, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, rich history, and strong sense of community. Home to Claytor Lake, the New River Trail, and a growing business and manufacturing presence, Pulaski County offers a unique blend of small-town charm and economic opportunity. With a focus on innovation, quality of life, and community wellness, Pulaski County continues to be a destination where residents, visitors, and businesses can thrive.
About Pulaski County Public Schools
Pulaski County Public Schools is dedicated to empowering students through innovative learning, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to academic excellence. Serving students across the New River Valley, PCPS creates supportive and engaging learning environments where every child is encouraged to grow as a learner, leader, and citizen. With a focus on belonging, achievement, and preparing students for future success, Pulaski County Public Schools is proud to make a difference one child at a time.
