MSBA's Center for Education Safety

09/03/2026

In 1983, Lori Poland was abducted, abused, and left 15 feet underground in an outhouse toilet for four days. Decades later, she's transformed unimaginable trauma into a mission of helping victims, supporting communities in crisis, and protecting the vulnerable.

“I felt like God had this happen so that I could do something bigger,” she said.

In this powerful episode of The Centurion's Path, Lori shares her remarkable survival story, her fight for healing, and why she refuses to let anger define her journey.

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YIma2q1vHM

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6o4Bhy868VkUx8v9i9mqW4?si=y5IkZJ4iT2OhX5GGuHKpBQ

The Centurion's Path · Episode

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

In this episode of The Centurion's Path, hosts John, AJ, and Mike are joined by speaker, licensed professional counselor, and Colorado Healing Fund Executive Director Lori Poland. Lori opens up about her survival story following her high-profile 1983 child abduction in Sheridan, Colorado, and details how that formative experience shaped her lifelong commitment to advocating for victims and protecting vulnerable communities.

The conversation explores the complexities of crisis management, victim support, and the realities of mental health in the aftermath of community-wide trauma. Lori breaks down the critical work of the Colorado Healing Fund—from securing victim assistance funds to prevent fraud, to leading wellness retreats and training programs for first responders and frontline professionals.

Watch and listen:

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YIma2q1vHM

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6o4Bhy868VkUx8v9i9mqW4?si=y5IkZJ4iT2OhX5GGuHKpBQ

The Centurion's Path · Episode

08/30/2026

In the news this week: The Center for Education Safety COO John McDonald talks about a new state law on school safety.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Two new Missouri laws taking effect Friday will give school districts more options for placing armed personnel inside schools. One law creates a training program known as the “Missouri Rangers.” The other expands who may serve as a "school protection officer." Participation ...

08/30/2026

MSBA's Center for Education Safety in the news this week: Schools can soon hire "Missouri Rangers." What does that mean?

State schools could soon hire Missouri Rangers as armed security. What does it mean if your child's school hires a Ranger?

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

The Center for Education Safety has given out more than 12,000 "Stop the Prop" decals to the public, charter, and private schools across Missouri. This week, we’re filling orders for another 5000!

"Stop the Prop" is a reminder for all schools to keep the doors closed and locked. It doesn’t cost a single dollar to close and secure doors.

Created by our COO in 2018, schools in more than 32 states are now using the Stop the Prop program.

06/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Osage Beach for the June CES School Safety Academy!

Over the past few days, school leaders, administrators, and law enforcement from across Missouri came together to complete the training required to earn the Certified School Safety Specialist credential — and to invest in the safety and well-being of their students, staff, and communities.

To every participant: thank you for your time, your engagement, and your commitment to making Missouri schools safer. The work you do matters, and we're proud to support it.

04/24/2026

That's a wrap on CES's 2026 Missouri School Safety Conference.

We closed out with Ty Dennis, Community Advocate and School Safety Director, and his powerful message on Why We Do the Work — a reminder that behind every policy, every plan, and every decision, there are real people whose lives are impacted. The perfect way to end our time together.

To every administrator, school board member, SRO, counselor, first responder, mental health professional, and safety leader who walked through our doors this week — thank you. The work you do matters.

School safety isn't easy. It's ongoing. It's evolving. And it requires a commitment that continues long after a conference ends.

Safe travels. Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. See you next year.

04/24/2026

What a meaningful final day of learning at the Missouri School Safety Conference!
Today's general sessions gave us so much to reflect on:

Patty Davis of Children's Mercy Kansas City opened the morning with Prepared Minds, Resilient Communities: Prioritizing Mental Health in Disaster Response.

Madalena DeAndrea followed with her story of resilience, perspective, and purpose. Reminding us of the deeply human side of this work — and why we can never lose sight of it.

A heartfelt thank you once again to our incredible sponsors. Your generosity is what brings speakers like these to our stage, and your shared commitment to Missouri's students and staff shines through every session. Conferences like this simply would not be possible without you.

One more session to go — and we can't wait.

PREMIER SPONSOR
CDW

MAJOR SPONSORS
Centegix
Premier Wireless
K12 Safety
Safe Haven Defense
Critical Response Group

SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Arkansas Public Safety Solutions
American Digital Security
Elliott Data Systems
GoGuardian
Federal Protection, Inc.
KCAV
KIDaccount
NIGHTLOCK
TownSteel