Crisis Response and Support for District Leaders

Prepare and Respond to Crises with Confidence and Clarity

Developed by the Superintendent Response and Recovery Network (SRRN), these comprehensive resources bridge preparation with action, offering both crisis team development frameworks and communication response templates designed specifically for educational leaders.

From essential team composition guides and leadership action steps to customizable press releases and media response strategies, these tools are intended to support you in delivering a coordinated response.

Developed by education leaders who understand the unique dynamics of school communities, the resources of this toolkit equip your leadership team to:

Establish effective systems before crisis strikes
Maintain stakeholder trust through transparent, timely communications
Foster community resilience through coordinated, purposeful recovery support

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Crisis Response Checklist

This is an action-oriented tool that transforms crisis management into clear, sequential steps—from initial response through communication and recovery—providing guidance from pre-crisis planning through first-year commemoration considerations.

Note: This is a living document which will be added to over time. Please make a copy of the document and adapt it for your district’s needs. Make a copy by clicking the button below, visit the “File” tab in the top navigation bar and select “Make a copy”.

Access Crisis Response Checklist

Crisis Team Development

This is an adaptable document for building school crisis response teams, including emergency contact lists, incident logs, and action plans.

Note: This is a living document which will be added to over time. Please make a copy of the document and adapt it for your district’s needs. Make a copy by clicking the button below, visit the “File” tab in the top navigation bar and select “Make a copy”.

Access Crisis Team Development Template

Crisis Communications Development

This resource includes customizable templates and strategic guidance to help school leaders protect their district's reputation and maintain stakeholder trust during a school tragedy.

Note: This is a living document which will be added to over time. Please make a copy of the document and adapt it for your district’s needs. Make a copy by clicking the button below, visit the “File” tab in the top navigation bar and select “Make a copy”.

Access Crisis Communications Resource

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This toolkit and accompanying resources are brought to you by the Superintendent Response and Recovery Network (SRRN). SRRN serves as an expert support network for superintendents and administrators who have experienced tragedy or violence in their schools.

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Crisis Response and Support for District Leaders

Prepare and Respond to Crises with Confidence and Clarity

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