In this pair of featured pieces by Security Guard Services Magazine, the publication examines the 2026 Safety and Operational Readiness Report from Singlewire Software, a national survey of more than 500 K-12 school staff. Together, the articles show a persistent disconnect between safety priorities and daily reality: even as Alyssa’s Law expands, many teachers still have no way to call for help, staffing shortages have become the top security challenge, and vulnerabilities reach well beyond the front door into parking lots, dismissal lines, and visitor check-in. It’s a data-rich look at where schools fall short — and why mobile, connected tools matter for closing those gaps.
Key Takeaways
- Legislation alone isn’t closing the gap: even as Alyssa’s Law expands, nearly 40% of teachers report having no panic button, and only 10% have access to a wearable option.
- Staffing is the top challenge: the share of staff citing too few people to monitor entrances and hallways rose from 30% in 2025 to 46% in 2026.
- The tools closest to teachers lag behind: 45% of administrators have mounted panic buttons versus just 19% of teachers, and only one in five staff members is extremely confident help will arrive quickly.
- Risk extends past the classroom and the front door: more than half of staff name parking lots and outdoor areas as the least secure zones, 63% report monthly dismissal issues that require staff intervention, and only 14% use a digital system to coordinate dismissal.
- Visitor check-in is a weak point: while 71% of schools require a photo ID, 33% rely on visual inspection alone, only 19% use a digital visitor management system, and 17% still use pen-and-paper sign-in sheets.
Original Articles
Singlewire Software recently released the findings of its new report, “2026 State of Safety & Operational Readiness in K-12 Schools.”
Following up on its inaugural 2025 School Entrance study, this year’s research captured responses from more than 500 school staff members across the United States, revealing “a critical disconnect between school safety priorities and the daily reality of campus security,” according to the company announcement.
“Prioritizing school safety means recognizing that security vulnerabilities aren’t limited to the front door—they are rooted in operational gaps across the entire campus,” says Terry Swanson, president and CEO of Singlewire Software, in the announcement.
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A new report on the state of school safety reveals significant gaps in emergency readiness and operational security across U.S. K-12 campuses. Despite the national expansion of Alyssa’s Law, which mandates silent panic alarms, nearly 40% of teachers report having no panic button in place at their school.
The 2026 Safety and Operational Readiness Report, released by Singlewire Software, highlights a disparity between school administrators and teaching staff. While 45% of administrators have access to mounted panic buttons, only 19% of teachers report the same. Overall, only one in five staff members feels “extremely confident” that help will arrive quickly after a request for assistance.
Staffing shortages have emerged as the primary obstacle to securing school buildings. The number of respondents citing a lack of staff as a major challenge rose from 30% in 2025 to 46% in 2026. While 86% of school staff prioritize front entrance security, only 16% believe their entrances are “completely secure”.