School Safety Summit: RPM - Readiness. Prevention. Mindset.
Date: June 4, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Region 7 ESC
Workshop: #305415
The Region 7 School Safety Summit is back—and in 2026, we’re shifting into high gear.
Designed for school leaders, safety teams, law enforcement, counselors, and campus professionals, this year’s summit centers on RPM: Readiness, Prevention, and Mindset—the essential drivers of effective, sustainable school safety. This full-day event moves beyond compliance and conversation and focuses on real-world application, decisive action, and coordinated response. TCOLE credit will be available!
Why Attend?
The Region 7 School Safety Summit is more than a training—it’s a starting line for action. Attendees will leave with:
- Practical strategies they can implement immediately
- A deeper understanding of prevention and coordinated response
- Renewed focus on mindset, leadership, and culture
- Stronger connections with regional partners and safety professionals
Whether you’re just getting started or refining well-established systems, this summit is built to meet you where you are—and help you move forward.
8:15 – 9:00 AMArrival & Breakfast
9:00 – 10:45 AMKeynote Address
10:45 – 11:00 AMBreak & Vendor Visits
11:00 – 11:45 AMBreakout Session
11:45 AM – 12:45 PMLunch
12:45 – 1:30 PMBreakout Session
1:30 – 1:45 PMBreak & Vendor Visits
1:45 – 2:30 PMBreakout Session
2:30 – 3:15 PMClosing, Prizes & Wrap-Up
Michael CollazoWe are honored to welcome Michael Collazo, a Marine Corps veteran and former Nashville Police Department officer, as the keynote speaker for the 2026 School Safety Summit.
Born and raised in Middle Tennessee, Michael grew up with a strong sense of service instilled by his parents, Sharon and Reynaldo. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for eight years while earning his college degree. Following his military service, Michael pursued a career in law enforcement with the Nashville Police Department, beginning as a patrol officer before serving in several specialized units including the Flex Team, Crime Suppression Unit, and Field Intelligence Unit. These roles focused on proactive crime prevention, narcotics investigations, and complex long-term investigations.
On March 27, 2023, Michael was among the first responders to the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville. As part of the team that entered the school and confronted the shooter, he experienced firsthand the critical decisions, teamwork, and mindset required in moments of crisis. That day profoundly shaped his understanding of preparedness and the realities faced by those responsible for protecting others.
Today, Michael shares his experiences and lessons learned with educators, law enforcement, and community leaders across the country. His keynote will challenge attendees to think deeply about readiness before crisis, decisions made in seconds, and the mindset required to act when it matters most—delivering a message that is honest, impactful, and deeply relevant to today’s school safety landscape.
Throughout the day, participants will engage in informational breakout sessions covering a wide range of school safety topics. Each session is designed to help teams move from planning to practice, strengthening systems, sharpening awareness, and reinforcing a shared safety mindset across roles.
Breakout Sessions Offered at: 12:20–1:05 PM | 1:25–2:10 PM | 2:15–3:00 PM
De-escalation Scenarios and Strategies
Speaker: Bobby Brasher, Security Consultant
Operationalizing Behavior Threat Assessments
Speaker: Cara Whedbee, Gilmer ISD
District Vulnerability Assessments
Speaker: Jeremy Black, TEA
Security Options for Schools
Speaker: Ray Barron, Freedom Defense LLC
Weather Preparedness for Schools
Speaker: Doc Deason, Meteorologist
FBI Insights on School Safety
Speaker: Josh Mathews, FBI
Case Study: Hot Yoga Studio Shooting
Speaker: Jeff Murray, Domestic Security Strategist (DSS), NTAC
Trauma Crisis Teams
Speaker: Kristi Harris, BSN, RN, Whitehouse ISD
Human Trafficking
Speaker: Dr. David Scott, East Texas Council of Governments
Game Plan for Crisis
Speaker: Katilyn Woodley and Dana Harper, Region 7 ESC
Gang Activity in East Texas
Speaker: Juan Cervantes, Smith County Sheriff's Office, East TX Anti Gang Center
The Safety Summit is made possible through the support of our generous sponsors.
For information about supporting this year’s Safety Summit, visit our sponsorship page:https://www.esc7.net/apps/form/safety-summit-26
Questions? Contact a member of our team.
