NC Center for Safer Schools

08/05/2026

Happy birthday to Center for Safer Schools Assistant Director-Training & Safety Jeff Branch!

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Greenville Convention Center

08/05/2026

Tuesday afternoon sessions at the 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit at the Greenville Convention Center included Safer School Interactions with Students with Autism and I/DD, CPTED, Active Threat Preparedness, Therapy Dogs and Utilization of an SRO.

08/05/2026

The Center for Safer Schools opened the 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit on Tuesday, Aug. 4 in Greenville, N.C. School staff, law enforcement and youth-serving agencies gathered at the Greenville Convention Center for school safety sessions and demonstrations.
On Day 1, attendees heard from state and local officials, including CFSS Executive Director Karen W. Fairley, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director R.E. “Chip” Hawley, Rep. John Torbett, Greenville Deputy Police Chief K.Z. Thomas and Pitt County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Lassiter.
Myra Leuci from Sandy Hook Promise provided an update on SHP's partnership with the CFSS. Ori Yardeni with Life Changing Experiences gave an overview of his group’s anti-bullying program.
Amy Lowder of Cabarrus County Schools was named 2025-2026 Safety Director of the Year. Deputy Director of Operations Karen Everett received the Executive Director’s Award of Appreciation for her extraordinary commitment to the mission of the CFSS.

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

We at the Center for Safer Schools look forward to welcoming school safety professionals from across North Carolina at the 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit!
Our staff is dedicated to addressing key areas such as school climate, discipline and emergency preparedness for K-12 schools. We hope all attendees will feel more empowered as they work toward our shared goal of safer schools.
Thank you again to all registrants, speakers and exhibitors. We can’t wait to see previous attendees and meet first-timers.
See you tomorrow at the Greenville Convention Center!

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

08/03/2026

Center for Safer Schools Executive Director Karen Wright Fairley and Deputy Director of Operations Karen Everett will close the 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit with a presentation on “School Safety Grants”!
Read more about their session on the Whova app and the official webpage: https://whova.com/web/K1o6G0Hds20jOyi8oU%40GJiQFxgd%409pvFtVn4%401xueCw%3D/
See you this week at the Greenville Convention Center!

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

08/03/2026

While you’re at the Greenville Convention Center this week, participate in our Exhibitor Passport Contest! RISE 2026 attendees who visit all the exhibitor booths and collect virtual stamps on the Whova app will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize. Tap Passport under the Additional Resources section on the homepage, and have each exhibitor scan your unique QR code.
See you tomorrow!

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

08/03/2026

The Center for Safer Schools is excited to have Dr. LaTricia Townsend present “Building a Solid Foundation for Competitive Grant Proposals” at the 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit!
Read more about her session on the Whova app and the official webpage: https://whova.com/web/K1o6G0Hds20jOyi8oU%40GJiQFxgd%409pvFtVn4%401xueCw%3D/
See you Aug. 4-6 at the Greenville Convention Center!

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

08/03/2026

Enter our Leaderboard Contest on the Whova app for a chance to win free accommodations to RISE 2027! The more you post and engage with your fellow attendees, the more points you collect. Download the Whova app – your source for all things . Good luck and have fun!
Download Whova, view the agenda and add sessions to My Agenda: https://whova.com/web/K1o6G0Hds20jOyi8oU%40GJiQFxgd%409pvFtVn4%401xueCw%3D/

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

08/03/2026

The Center for Safer Schools is excited to have Dr. Sandra Walters of Lauren's Kids present “Creating Safer, Smarter Schools through Prevention, Education and Training” at the 2026 RISE Back to School Safety Summit!
Read more about her session on the Whova app and the official webpage: https://whova.com/web/K1o6G0Hds20jOyi8oU%40GJiQFxgd%409pvFtVn4%401xueCw%3D/
See you Aug. 4-6 at the Greenville Convention Center!

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation