KPS Earns Diamond Recognition for School Safety 

Kearney Public Schools is 1 of 3 Nebraska School Districts to Earn Diamond Recognition for School Safety 

Kearney, NE – Kearney Public Schools is proud to announce that it has been recognized for its exceptional commitment to school safety by earning the prestigious Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Diamond Badge Certification. This badge system acknowledges Nebraska public and non-public school districts that go above and beyond in providing a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors.

The NDE Badge Certification program awards schools with Diamond, Gold, or Silver badges based on their adherence to the highest standards of safety and security. These badges signify a district’s dedication to ensuring that effective learning can take place in a safe and secure environment. Kearney Public Schools is honored to have achieved this certification, reaffirming our commitment to the four pillars of safety: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Superintendent Jason Mundorf emphasized the importance of this achievement: "At Kearney Public Schools, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Earning this badge from the Nebraska Department of Education is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire district in creating a safe and supportive learning environment. We are proud to be recognized for our efforts and will continue to place school safety at the forefront of everything we do. I would like to extend a special thank you to our former Director of Student Services and Safety, Dr. Dan Endorf, for his work in this arena the past two years.  I am equally as excited for the efforts Mr. Schwartz put forward in earning this designation, and the ideas he will bring to the table going forward for continued improvements in our safety and support of the learning environment."

Jeff Schwartz, Director of Student Services and Safety at Kearney Public Schools, added, "This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our school community. Our teams have worked diligently to develop and implement comprehensive safety policies, conduct essential drills, and provide critical training for both students and staff. We will continue to strive for excellence in school safety to ensure that our schools provide a safe and secure learning environment."

The Badge Certification was announced at the Administration Days Conference in July, and Kearney Public Schools is among the first districts to be recognized for meeting these rigorous safety standards. The district will proudly display its badge on building entryways, the district website, and social media platforms to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to "Place School Safety First."