Southern Oregon Schools Practice Reunification
On April 21, 2026, Southern Oregon education and safety partners came together for a comprehensive Reunification Rehearsal as part of SOESD’s School Safety and Emergency Management Collaborative, an ongoing effort to strengthen coordinated emergency response across our region.
Led by the Advance Security Leadership team, the training brought together school district leadership, law enforcement, and School Resource Officers to review protocols and practice the critical process of safely reuniting students with their families during an emergency. At the core of this work are two foundational priorities: Safety and Accountability. Participants emphasized the importance of knowing who is present, who is not, and why, ensuring that every student is accounted for throughout an incident and safely reunited with their family.
The rehearsal walked participants through each step of the reunification process, from the initial emergency through communication, site setup, student arrival, and the structured release of students to authorized adults. Emphasis was placed on clear, compassionate communication with families, as well as coordinated engagement with media to support accurate information sharing while maintaining secure boundaries.
The Advance Security Leadership team also highlighted the importance of detailed logistical planning, including clearly defined staff roles such as parking coordination, check-in teams, and technical support. Participants were reminded that reunification is a perishable skill, requiring ongoing training and practice to ensure readiness when it matters most. As part of continued regional preparedness efforts, work is underway to develop a centralized reunification equipment and supply trailer, along with formal agreements for potential reunification sites. Current partner locations include the Jackson County Expo, Rogue X, and The Armory.
Following the exercise, an After Action Review captured key lessons learned, which will be shared at the upcoming regional security meeting on May 6. Additional districts—including Klamath Falls, Three Rivers, Grants Pass, and Phoenix-Talent—have expressed interest in participating in future trainings, continuing to expand this important work. Through collaboration, planning, and practice, our region is strengthening its ability to respond in times of crisis—ensuring the safety, accountability, and well-being of every student.
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