In this featured piece by SecurityInformed.com, the outlet reports on a new study from Singlewire Software revealing a gap between school safety priorities and the actual state of K-12 campus security. The 2026 State of Safety & Operational Readiness in K-12 Schools report, a follow-up to Singlewire’s inaugural 2025 School Entrance study, gathered responses from more than 500 school staff members across the United States. Terry Swanson, president and CEO of Singlewire Software, said security vulnerabilities aren’t limited to the front door but are rooted in operational gaps across the entire campus. The coverage highlights a significant equipment gap between school safety goals and the tools available to frontline teachers, along with rising staffing shortages that are straining existing safety protocols.
Key Takeaways
- More than 500 school staff members across the United States responded to Singlewire Software’s 2026 State of Safety & Operational Readiness in K-12 Schools report.
- Thirty-eight percent of teachers have no access to a panic button, and only 10% have access to a wearable solution.
- Eighty-six percent of staff say securing the front entrance is a top or high priority, yet only 16% believe their entrance is completely secure.
- While 79% of security staff consider school entrances secure, only 55% of teachers share that view.
- Terry Swanson, president and CEO of Singlewire Software, said reactive safety measures are no longer sufficient given rising staff shortages and emerging disparities in access to tools.
Original Story
Singlewire Software has released the “2026 State of Safety & Operational Readiness in K-12 Schools” report, providing a comprehensive overview of current safety and operational challenges faced by educational institutions across the United States.
With insights derived from over 500 school staff members, the report uncovers critical issues in the alignment between safety priorities and actual campus security measures.
The research highlights significant staffing shortages impacting safety protocols, with 46% of respondents citing a lack of personnel as a primary security vulnerability, up from 30% in 2025.
As staff availability diminishes, automation and integrated technology solutions are being recommended to sustain existing safety standards. In the words of Terry Swanson, president and CEO of Singlewire Software, “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.”