Everton R-III School District
Key Outcomes
Strategic priority: By 2025, 90% of stakeholders report feeling safe or very safe in school facilities
First district-wide Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) created with law enforcement and community partners
Student Protection Officer (SPO) program launched, providing immediate response capabilities in a rural setting 25+ minutes from emergency services
Verkada platform deployed for cameras, sensors, access control, and alarms — reducing unauthorized access and enabling real-time response
Background
Located in rural Everton, Missouri, Everton R-III School District serves a tight-knit community where safety is a top concern. As part of its strategic plan, the district elevated safety to its #2 priority, right after #1 student learning and opportunities: “By 2025, 90% of stakeholders will report they feel safe or very safe in their school building and/or classroom.”
But with limited resources, a 25-minute distance from first responders, and an outdated security system, the district needed a new approach. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Will Darter, Everton R-III has reimagined how a small, rural school can build resilience, readiness, and community confidence in safety.
Challenges
Remote location: Emergency services are located more than 25 minutes away, requiring strong on-site response capabilities.
Limited resources: Rural funding constraints made it difficult to invest in modern technology.
Outdated systems: The previous security setup lacked real-time monitoring, secure entry points, and consistent emergency protocols.
Stakeholder concerns: Families and staff expressed uncertainty about safety, prompting the district to set a measurable goal to improve confidence.
The Solution
1. Building a Comprehensive Crisis Plan
Dr. Darter brought together staff, local officials, and law enforcement to create a district-wide Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Covering scenarios from severe weather to security threats, the plan defined clear responsibilities and built trust through community collaboration.
2. Launching the Student Protection Officer (SPO) Program
To address Everton’s distance from first responders, Dr. Darter introduced SPOs — teachers trained in first aid, de-escalation, and firearms handling. This program ensures immediate, trained response in the event of an emergency, providing families and staff with an additional layer of reassurance.
3. Partnering with Verkada for Smart Safety Technology
Everton partnered with Verkada to introduce advanced, cloud-based safety tools previously unavailable to the district:
Video Security: High-quality cameras across campus provide clear visibility and an integrated record of incidents.
Access Control: Secured entry points with tailgating and door prop detection support the district’s Stop the Prop campaign and reinforce locked-door protocols.
Alarms & Panic Buttons: Staff can initiate a district-wide lockdown with one tap, while real-time alerts keep administrators and SPOs informed.
Air Quality Sensors: Helps maintain safe, healthy environments by detecting vaping and AIQ risks that compromise student wellbeing.
Centralized Command: The Verkada platform consolidates all systems, enabling administrators to share live camera feeds, floorplans, and door controls with first responders instantly during an emergency.
4. Securing Funding Through Missouri School Safety Grant
To overcome financial hurdles, Dr. Darter successfully secured a Missouri School Safety Grant. This funding enabled Everton to adopt modern technologies without sacrificing other educational priorities.
5. Training, Drills, and Culture of Safety
Safety extends beyond tools. Dr. Darter coordinated regular drills, training sessions, and student education programs to reinforce readiness. Communication with stakeholders — from parents to staff to first responders — helped ensure transparency and buy-in.
Impact
Today, Everton R-III Schools is better prepared than ever to safeguard its community:
Faster emergency response: First responders can access live camera feeds, floorplans, and remotely unlock doors for quicker, safer entry.
Improved stakeholder confidence: Ongoing surveys track safety perceptions, aiming for the district’s 90% confidence goal by 2025. Stronger community trust: Collaboration with law enforcement and transparent communication reassures families that safety is being prioritized.
Student and staff readiness: Drills and the SPO program instill confidence in responding effectively to emergencies.
“Safety isn’t something we can compromise on — especially in a rural community like ours. Verkada has given us tools to respond faster, keep our buildings secure, and build trust with our families and staff.” — Dr. Will Darter, Superintendent, Everton R-III School District