Delaware County Sheriff Jeff Balzer told the Olentangy Board of Education on Aug. 7 that his deputies responded to more than 600 calls for service at district schools during the 2025-26 school year, with most involving harassment or threats.

The data, presented less than two weeks before the 2026-27 school year begins Aug. 20, came alongside a broader safety update from Director of Safety, Security and Preparedness Ron Vogel. Together, the presentations outlined new programs, grant-funded equipment and monitoring tools rolling out across the district's 29 buildings, which serve 24,458 students according to the district's quality profile.

Of the 600-plus calls, 55% went to high schools, 25% to middle schools and 20% to elementary schools, according to Delaware Source, which covered the board meeting. Balzer noted that while 10 school resource officers are placed in buildings, 19 total deputies are assigned to school safety. The newest resource officer started at Orange High School in spring 2026.

Handle with Care launches

The Delaware County Sheriff's Office launched its "Handle with Care" program on Aug. 1. The program notifies teachers and deputies when a student may have recently experienced a traumatic event, allowing staff to monitor the student and refer them for mental health services if needed.

Sgt. Andrew Lee, who supervises the school resource officers, helped launch the program. Olentangy is the pilot district. The sheriff's office plans to expand it to other county school districts if it proves successful.

$104,000 grant funds security upgrades

Vogel told the board the district received a $104,000 grant from the Ohio Attorney General's Office to purchase classroom door security devices, panic alarms, security cameras and other safety equipment. The district has also upgraded more than 1,100 security cameras, improved radio communications and expanded coverage to rally and reunification sites used during emergency evacuations.

A new Code Blue system, integrated into school phone systems, lets teachers request immediate in-building assistance without calling 911. The system dispatches a response team including the principal, school resource officers, a nurse and other staff.

"It could be a Saturday morning that we have a student in crisis and our team will work together contacting family, contacting first responders to do a wellness check, if needed," Vogel said at the Aug. 7 meeting, describing the district's round-the-clock monitoring.

24/7 monitoring and anonymous reporting

Two tools operate around the clock: Lightspeed monitors school-managed devices and online activity for indicators of harm such as bullying, suicide ideation or violence-related content. Stay Safe, Speak Up allows parents and students to anonymously report safety concerns or building threats at any time.

Vogel also announced an internal safety committee of principals, secretaries, transportation staff and custodians that will meet regularly to discuss security improvements. In October, the Delaware County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency will host an emergency response practice exercise with building administrators.

What's ahead

The district plans to partner with the Delaware County Public Health District on an e-bike safety campaign covering road rules, safety tips and e-bike classifications. A safety, security and preparedness notebook will also be sent to all district families.

Families can report safety concerns anonymously through the district's Stay Safe, Speak Up system at any time.