A new report from Singlewire Software, based on a survey of over 500 U.S. K-12 school staff members, identifies staffing shortages and inadequate emergency equipment as the top security gaps in schools today. The 2026 State of Safety & Operational Readiness in K-12 Schools report reveals that 46% of respondents now cite lack of staff as their primary security challenge, up from 30% in 2025. At the same time, 38% of teachers report having no panic button at all, and only 10% have access to a wearable alert solution.
Key findings
The report highlights several specific vulnerabilities:
- Staffing shortages worsen security: The jump from 30% to 46% in one year indicates that schools are struggling to find personnel to monitor hallways and entrances. The report suggests automation and integrated technology must fill the gap.
- Panic button access is uneven: While security staff may have tools, 38% of teachers lack any panic button. Only 10% have a wearable option, leaving most teachers tethered to a desk or without any way to call for help during a crisis.
- Perception gap between staff and teachers: 79% of security staff believe school entrances are secure, but only 55% of teachers agree — a 24-point gap that reflects frontline experience.
- Vulnerable zones beyond classrooms: Over 50% of respondents identified parking lots and outdoor areas as the most vulnerable zones. Fixed panic buttons cannot cover these areas, but wearable or mobile apps can extend the security perimeter.
- Entrance security remains a persistent challenge: 86% of staff say securing the front entrance is a top or high priority, yet only 16% feel their entrance is "completely secure." These figures are virtually unchanged from 2025.
- Analog hall passes create visibility gaps: Nearly 75% of schools still use analog methods to excuse students from class, making it difficult to track student location and accountability.
- Outdated dismissal systems cause recurring security risks: 63% of respondents report dismissal-related issues requiring staff intervention at least monthly, due to antiquated or ineffective dismissal methods.
What the report recommends
The report argues that reactive measures are no longer sufficient. It calls for empowering every staff member with mobile alerting tools, streamlining daily accountability processes (such as digital hall passes and dismissal systems), and ensuring real-time help is accessible wherever an emergency occurs — not just at a fixed location.
Methodology
The independent research firm Researchscape conducted the survey in January and February 2026. Respondents included 511 staff members at U.S. K-12 schools, including administrators, teachers, IT, and security personnel.
Bottom line
The data paints a clear picture: schools are aware of their security gaps but lack the personnel and equipment to close them. The report suggests that technology — particularly mobile and wearable panic buttons, automated monitoring, and digital accountability systems — can help bridge the gap where human resources fall short. Schools that rely solely on fixed hardware and analog processes are leaving significant vulnerabilities unaddressed.