Dear Hartford Families and Community,

Hartford Public Schools remains steadfast in its commitment to the physical and mental well-being of all students and staff.  In support of this priority, the district employs three mental health clinicians, a School Resource Officer, and a School Nurse who provide daily support. Additionally, each school building is equipped with a trained Medical and Cardiac Emergency Response Team (MERT/CERT).

We are proud to report that Hartford Public Schools was the first district in Van Buren County to establish a fully trained safety assessment team in accordance with Michigan’s Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) requirements. This team is responsible for proactively identifying and addressing potential safety concerns, developing appropriate response protocols, and supporting student mental health.

The district also values its strong partnerships with first responders and local law enforcement agencies. By providing our facilities for joint training exercises, we help ensure coordinated, timely, and effective responses in the event of an emergency.

Furthermore, Hartford Public Schools have partnered with The LockOut Co. to implement the SmartBoot System across the district. This system is an interior door barrier solution integrated with specialized lighting and communication features designed to enhance safety, establish secure spaces, and facilitate rapid communication during critical incidents. The system also enables district-wide lockdown notifications and improves communication and coordination with first responders. Additional information regarding this system is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYURvVrl_lk

The safety, security, and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priorities. Hartford Public Schools will continue to take proactive and comprehensive measures to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.

School Safety Letter