Katy ISD Hosts Interscholastic Athletics & After-School Activities Safety and Security Forum
Over the last two days, Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) proudly hosted the National Interscholastic Athletics and After-School Activities Safety and Security Forum, held in collaboration with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4).
The primary objective of the forum was to address critical safety and security challenges facing interscholastic athletics and after-school activities, providing a platform for the exchange of best practices.
The forum garnered widespread participation, attracting superintendents, principals, athletic administrators, school resource officers, emergency managers, and first responders from various regions across the state. Over a span of 48 hours, these leaders engaged in constructive small-group discussions and exercises, benefiting from the expertise of esteemed speakers and panelists.
Welcoming those in attendance was Katy ISD Superintendent, Dr. Ken Gregorski, who emphasized the importance of this valuable training, stating, “As both a spectator and the leader of a district supporting facilities and venues hosting large-scale events, I am grateful for the time and training you are engaging in that contributes to the safety of our communities.”
Dr. Ken Gregorski at the recent Athletics and After-School Activities Safety and Security Forum. (Source: Katy ISD)The forum’s agenda covered crucial topics, including emergency preparedness, effective management of fan behavior, hosting officials, addressing extreme weather and climate risks, and fostering a culture of safety. Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from subject-matter experts, fostering a collaborative environment where attendees could share their knowledge.
Katy ISD’s Executive Director of Athletics, Lance Carter, Emergency Management Coordinator, Ruben Martinez, General Manager of Facilities, Ben Rolens, and Deputy Chief of Police, Kevin Tabor, covered the forum’s first topic – Creating a Culture of Safety. Their expertise and insights set the tone for a forum dedicated to enhancing safety standards in interscholastic and after-school activities.
“Katy ISD is proud to host this year’s NCS4 forum, an event that creates a collaborative environment where we can exchange ideas and best practices,” said Lance Carter, Executive Director of Athletics at Katy ISD. “Through engaging discussions and shared expertise, this forum provides an exceptional platform for learning and progress as we strive to provide our communities with a safe and welcoming environment at athletics and after-school events,” he added.
Attendees at the recent Athletics and After-School Activities Safety and Security Forum. (Source: Katy ISD)- Dr. Stacey A. Hall, Executive Director at NCS4
- Jonathan Ruffin, Training Manager at NCS4
- Daniel Ward, Director of Training and Exercise at NCS4
- Dr. Kevin Kloesel, Event Safety Meteorologist at the University of Oklahoma
- John Petrone, Senior Managing Director at Petrone Risk
- Dana M. Pappas, Director of Officiating Services at the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
- Dena Scott, Director of Athletics at Fort Bend ISD
- Gary Stevens, Director of Student Activities at Thornton Academy
- Kyle Poore, Security Coordinator at Lincoln Public Schools.
Katy ISD expresses its gratitude to all participants, speakers and partners for contributing to the success of this significant forum. As always, Katy ISD is a leader in school safety and remains committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for its communities.
Source: Katy ISD
