Security Measures in Overseas Schools

The safety of American children who attend overseas schools is of vital concern to the Department of State. During 2007, the initiative to provide security enhancements for overseas schools in which U. S. citizens are enrolled has continued with increased funds appropriated by Congress. This initiative, developed through the combined efforts of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and OS has four phases which provide security enhancements to overseas schools for such items as shatter resistant window film, emergency radio communication, public address systems, gates, bollards, fences, and closed circuit television. The first two phases of this program have delivered $42.5 million in security improvements to Department-assisted overseas schools. The second two phases have covered physical security needs in the amount of $15 million for overseas schools not assisted by the Department, but where U.S. citizen dependents are enrolled.

The Emergency Procedures Manual, was first published by the Central and Eastern European Association (CEESA) in 2003 through a grant from the Overseas Schools Advisory Council. In 2007-2008, CEESA plans to add two new chapters on terrorism and school violence/bullying. The manual is published on a CD-ROM, which was mailed to all Department-assisted overseas schools, interested international schools, regional education associations, and international organizations. It can also be accessed on the Department's Intranet at http://aopros.a.state.gov/7_emergency/title%20page.html. OS has notified all U.S. posts to download itand make it available to any international school that requests a copy. The newest chapter, which was added in 2006, "Emerging Infectious Diseases/Pandemic Flu," can be accessed on the Internet at www.state.gov/m/a/os/c17197.htm.