As we approach the close of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary time of transition, growth and resilience for our team — and to thank you for standing with us every step of the way.
This year marked a major milestone for the Center for Safer Schools (CFSS) as we transitioned from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI) to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI). Change of this scale can be daunting, but thanks to the unwavering support from you — our partners, educators, families and advocates — we have not only adapted but thrived. We are proud and deeply grateful to now be part of the SBI family, where our mission to keep North Carolina’s schools safe has found renewed strength, enhanced resources and a team that shares our values and vision.
As we wind down the school year, please don’t forget to complete any outstanding legislatively mandated reporting. These reports are essential not only for compliance, but also to ensure that we have the data necessary to inform statewide efforts and shape effective safety policies and practices going forward.
Throughout the long legislative session, I will remain actively engaged with lawmakers who continue to demonstrate a strong, bipartisan commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and school communities. These conversations have been encouraging and affirm our shared belief that safe learning environments are the foundation of student success.
Finally, I want to remind everyone about RISE — our flagship training and support program designed to strengthen school safety preparedness and response. Whether you’re new to RISE or returning for a refresher, we encourage all districts and schools to participate and help us ensure a consistent, statewide approach to school safety.
Please take a moment to listen to our May Message. Here’s to a strong finish to the school year and a safe, restorative summer for all.
— Karen W. Fairley
The Center for Safer Schools is looking for one middle school from Eastern North Carolina and one from Western North Carolina to apply for the SHINE 2025-2026 Cohort. Also, the CFSS is looking for one Eastern and one Western high school to apply for the SEED 2025-2026 Cohort.
Both cohorts will begin in August 2025 and are expected to be completed by July 2026.
The maximum number of middle school and high school participants from each region is 15.
Students will take part in activities that will develop leadership skills, aid them in understanding healthy relationships and boundaries, provide them the basics of how to engage safely with social media and the internet, show how to make good decisions, realize the importance of community engagement and understand that students are an intricate part of school safety.
Middle and high schools in the North Central, Northeast, Southeast and Sandhills regions may apply to represent Eastern North Carolina. Middle and high schools in the Piedmont-Triad, Northwest, Southwest and Western regions may apply to represent Western North Carolina.
Click SHINE APP to apply for the SHINE 2025-2026 Cohort. Click SEED APP to apply for the SEED 2025-2026 Cohort.
Applications are due Friday, May 30 by 5:00 p.m. For more information, send an email to CFSS Student Engagement Manager Chelsea King.
Center for Safer Schools School Safety Training Coordinator Jeff Branch brought a bit of Mayberry to Raleigh on Tuesday, April 16. His 1964 Ford Galaxie Andy Griffith replica was parked in front of the Legislative Building in support of House Bill 557, which would make “The Andy Griffith Show” the official state TV show.
Branch, who has portrayed Howard Sprague for decades, was joined by actors portraying Andy Taylor, Nurse Mary, Ernest T. Bass and Mr. McBeevee. They took photos with fans – including CFSS Executive Director Karen W. Fairley – and met with legislators.
LEFT PHOTO: While touring his region, CFSS Regional School Safety Specialist-Piedmont-Triad Mike Furse enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Fun Run at Piney Grove Elementary School in Kernersville.
BOTTOM PHOTO: During a tour of Johnston Charter Academy in Clayton, CFSS Regional School Safety Specialist-Northeast Zahiraakhira Sanchez took the opportunity to view several billboards that students had on display.
How Schools Can Encourage Kindness and Safety
Schools play a key role in shaping a culture where kindness is not just encouraged but expected. Simple initiatives — such as kindness challenges, peer recognition programs or “kindness ambassador” roles — can empower students to lead with empathy and care. Educators and staff can model kind behavior daily, creating a safe environment where every student feels seen, heard and respected.
When kindness becomes part of the school culture, it reduces bullying, strengthens emotional safety and helps students build trust in their community, laying a foundation for better mental health and academic success.
