The Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. To support this effort, DESE is introducing an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) template specifically designed for school districts. The use of this document is optional. 

The EOP template provides a framework for responding to a variety of emergencies, from natural disasters to security incidents. Additionally, it aims to streamline communication, clarify roles and responsibilities, and enhance coordination with local emergency services. Key features of the template include:

• Customizable sections to tailor the plan to your specific needs
• Best practices based on current research and national safety standards
• Checklists and resources to aid in implementation and training
• Guidance on drills and exercises to ensure preparedness

We believe that this template will serve as a valuable resource in enhancing your school’s emergency preparedness efforts. I encourage you to review the attached document and consider how it might fit into your current planning processes.

We are having a virtual webinar on January 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., to discuss the template in detail and answer any questions you may have. You can register for the ZOOM at the following link:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Np6G5FF1TVK9EtibjOJ6Ww

Thank you for your dedication to keeping our schools safe.

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