Safe Schools

Each school year, the Comprehensive School Safety Plan is reviewed and updated, in consultation with the School Site Council and review/sign-off of local fire chief and law enforcement, then approved by the Board of Education no later than March 1.   The Monterey County Office of Education  (MCOE) collects documentation regarding the completion of this requirement.  

Please refer to the Comprehensive School Safety Plans for our schools (Board Approved, March 2026): 

• View the Castroville Elementary School Safety Plan 
• View the Elkhorn Elementary School Safety Plan 
• View the Echo Valley Elementary School Safety Plan 
• View the Prunedale Elementary School Safety Plan 
• View the North Monterey County Middle School Safety Plan 
• View the North Monterey County High School Safety Plan 
• View the Central Bay High School Safety Plan 
• View the North Monterey County Independent Study Safety Plan  

North Monterey County Unified School District is committed to supporting people in distress, providing prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and utilizing best practices for professionals. We can all help to prevent suicide. Suicide Prevention Hotline:  877-663-5433

View the NMCUSD Suicide Prevention & Intervention Policy 
View the NMCUSD Threat Assessment & Response Protocol Plan 

Facts:

1. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than 41,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide.

2. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry report suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5 to 24.

3. Centers for Disease Control reported suicide death rates in children ages 10 to 14 have doubled since 2007.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Visit the resources for youth page that includes how to take care of yourself, how to help, and links to support resources. The lifeline also has support pages for some strong and diverse communities that can be at a higher risk. If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ or Native American/ Alaska Native Communities there is information, resources, and supports available for you and your loved ones.

What to Expect Regarding Emergency Response at NMCUSD Schools  

While we try to prevent an emergency situation from occurring, staff and personnel are trained in emergency response. The primary role of a school is to care for the safety and welfare of our students. The following are the steps taken in the event of an emergency:

1. The emergency situation is fully assessed; we work in collaboration with first responders following a Common Incident Command System ensuring the safety and accountability of all students and staff
2. Once the initial response has been taken, initial communication with parents/community from the school district occurs about the situation
3. Ongoing updates occur as the response protocols are followed and when schools resume classes/scheduled activities. 

 View the What to Expect Regarding Emergency Response at NMCUSD Schools 

Que esperar con respecto a la respuesta de emergencia en las escuelas de NMCUSD

Our District works with our local first responders, specifically North Monterey County Fire Protection District on our emergency preparedness plans.  North Monterey County is recognized for having a model that is used countywide for School Emergency Preparedness.  We are fortunate to have this partnership and continue to work closely together to ensure our schools are following best practices.  Our schools regularly rehearse safety procedures. Please see the attached Big Five Community Packet which describes our procedures and drills.

Child Protective Services are mandated by Federal and State Law to investigate and respond to all allegations of suspected child abuse and neglect. Reports of abuse and neglect can be reported to these hotlines: 

1-800-606-6618    or    831-755-4661

Staff Responsibilities as related to Suspected Child Abuse:

1. Call the Hotline at: 1-800-606-6618 or 831-755-4661 to make your report.
2. Submit the Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR) form to FCS by fax within 36 hours of your report. 

You have not met your legal obligation as a mandated reporter unless you have called the hotline AND submitted the SCAR form. 

Download the Suspected Child Abuse Report in English

Descargar el formulario de denuncia de sospecha de maltrato infantil en español 

Submit a tip using our Tipline to report or express any concern 

It's easy to overlook these routine moments, but as you’re going about your day, if you see something that doesn't seem quite right, say something. By being alert and reporting suspicious activity to your local law enforcement, you can protect your family, neighbors, and community.

Report a concern here 

The North Monterey County Unified School District Progressive Behavior and Response Matrix is a comprehensive guide designed to support consistent, equitable, and restorative approaches to student behavior across all school sites. Grounded in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), restorative practices, and California Education Code, the document outlines prevention strategies, interventions, disciplinary responses, and due process procedures for both elementary and secondary students. It emphasizes the use of supportive and corrective interventions before suspension whenever possible, while also providing clear guidance for responding to Education Code violations, conducting investigations, and ensuring student rights and safety are upheld districtwide.

View the Student Discipline Matrix 
Last revised August 2025