Skip To Main Content

Operations, Safety & Security

Steam15

Operations

The Operations Department is committed to providing a safe, clean, and attractive environment for all who enter the facilities of Gulf Shores City Schools. Through efficient use of resources, quality workmanship, preventative maintenance, and strategic planning, we ensure our schools remain vibrant and functional spaces for learning and growth.

We are responsible for the maintenance, cleaning, and care of all district buildings, as well as the management of Capital Improvement Projects, Health and Safety initiatives, Indoor Air Quality, Groundskeeping, and general Operations.

We firmly believe that students achieve their highest potential in a well-maintained facility. Our mission is to deliver exceptional service by upholding the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and accountability.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining detailed records of maintenance operations and purchases

  • Scheduling and overseeing contracted work for buildings and sites

Safety & Security

Student and employee safety is the first concern of Gulf Shores City Schools.

At Gulf Shores City Schools, the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors is always our top priority, especially during times of crisis, natural disasters, or inclement weather.

To ensure a swift and effective response to emergencies, we annually update our emergency response procedures. These detailed plans provide clear instructions to faculty, staff, and administrators for addressing a wide range of potential events, including severe weather, natural disasters, or other critical incidents. Regular emergency response drills are conducted throughout the year to test and improve our readiness.

Every Gulf Shores City School is supported by a School Resource Officer (SRO), and we maintain continuous coordination with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and city officials. This collaborative approach ensures a quick, unified response when support is needed.

In the event of a crisis, we are committed to providing accurate and timely information to parents and stakeholders—once the situation has been assessed and contained. Clear communication remains a key part of our emergency response strategy.

As we carry out the vital mission of educating and nurturing our students, we are equally committed to protecting their well-being. Safety is not a single department’s responsibility—it is a shared commitment. Every staff member plays a role in ensuring our campuses remain secure and prepared for any situation.

Our dedication to education is matched only by our duty to protect.
Let’s stay vigilant, act as one team, and continue fostering a safe, supportive environment for the entire Gulf Shores community.

Contact Information

School Operations
Beau Roode
Email
251.504.1724

Safety & Security
Randy Carlisle
Email
251.968.9873

Heightened Awareness:

We all play a vital role in watching for anything unusual, whether in the classroom or hallways. Let's stay focused and proactive to ensure we are always prepared. Here are a few key reminders:

  • Limit movement to and from your classroom 
  • Be accountable for all students at all times 
  • Check external doors to ensure they are secure
  • Stay alert for any unusual behavior, both inside and outside of the school grounds

Secure Perimeter:

When we’re on alert, it’s essential to follow these steps:

  • Lock all external doors 
  • Ensure students and staff are safe and accounted for 
  • Stay in your secured area until further instructions are given 
  • Keep communication open and monitor devices 
  • Continue with instruction as normal (even in these uncertain moments)

Lockdown:

If the situation escalates, we must act swiftly and with care:

  • Follow alert methods immediately 
  • Secure yourself and others by deciding whether to HIDE, RUN, or FIGHT.
  • If you HIDE, lock doors, turn off lights, and remain quiet 
  • If you RUN, evacuate the area, stay with your group, and call 911 when safe 
  • If you FIGHT, protect yourself and others with whatever is available 
  • Only release students when cleared by administration or law enforcement

Secure Your Area of Responsibility:

Sometimes, you may be faced with an incident within your own classroom or area of responsibility. Stay focused:

  • Lock or secure doors as needed 
  • Keep communication devices on hand 
  • Stay vigilant and follow procedures for releasing students safely 

HOW WE PREPARE

At Gulf Shores City Schools, safety is a shared responsibility, and we are fully committed to maintaining a secure environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

Emergency Response Procedures
Each year, all schools and the district update their emergency response procedures. These comprehensive plans provide clear, specific instructions to faculty, staff, and administrators on how to respond to a variety of emergency situations, including severe weather events, natural disasters, and other crises that may affect our schools.

These procedures are a core component of our annual safety and security training for all employees. In addition, regular emergency drills are conducted at every school to practice and refine these safety protocols, ensuring our team is always ready to respond effectively.

School Resource Officers & Law Enforcement Collaboration
Through a joint agreement with the City of Gulf Shores, each school is staffed with at least one School Resource Officer (SRO). In addition, members of local law enforcement agencies regularly train on our campuses and maintain immediate access to facilities, ensuring a rapid and coordinated response in any emergency.

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE

In the event of a crisis, natural disaster, or severe weather emergency, our top priority remains the safety and well-being of students and staff. Once the immediate situation is contained and it is safe to do so, Gulf Shores City Schools will provide timely updates to parents and stakeholders.

To support effective communication, the district uses a mass notification system that can quickly reach students, staff, and immediate family members via phone call, text message, and email.

To ensure you receive these important notifications:

  • Keep your contact information up to date with your child’s school.

  • Notify the school immediately of any changes to phone numbers or email addresses.

The mass notification system may also be used by school groups, clubs, and athletic teams to share timely updates and event information.

We also encourage families to discuss the importance of school safety drills with their children. These drills help students understand how to respond calmly and confidently in an emergency.

By preparing together, we can create a safe environment where students thrive—ready to learn without limits.

The following are terms and descriptions that are commonly used in schools during emergencies:

Shelter In Place
This phrase could be used, for example, during severe weather or a hazardous materials incident. A tornado warning requires students to take shelter in a designated sheltering space and stay there until the threat has passed. These areas have been reviewed and approved by the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency. During a shelter-in-place emergency, doors are closed to the public and school operations (such as student checkout) are suspended until the threat has passed.  

Secured Perimeter
This term is used when a school is notified of a potential threat in an area near the campus. If a secured perimeter is needed, normal classroom activities will continue with restricted entry and limited, supervised movement within buildings. Parents and guardians are asked to stay away from campus during a secured perimeter to avoid entering a potential threat area. Entries and exits are monitored, and students will not be released to leave the building until an all-clear is given by the appropriate agency.

Lockdown
A lockdown takes place if a threat or possible threat is identified inside the school or on the campus. Instruction and all other operations are temporarily stopped. All exterior and interior doors are locked and students are secured in their classrooms. No one (except appropriate emergency response personnel) will be allowed to enter or leave campus buildings until an all-clear is given. In the event of a lockdown, parents should monitor their phone and/or email for important messages from the school.

Parent Reunification
If students are evacuated from a school, or when an emergency has occurred that affects the location of dismissal, a parent reunification point will be established. At this location, parents will be updated concerning the situation and plans for reunification with their child(ren). As with any other school day, a student may only be released to an adult who is listed as an emergency contact on school records. Anyone attempting to pick up a student must show proper photo identification. In cases where students will be released from the school, students who have obtained a parking permit will be able to sign themselves out at the time of the release.