Using Tech for Good: Empowering School Safety with Jake Leichtling

The Sound Off, a Safe and Sound Schools Podcast

Creating safe schools requires more than systems and procedures—it involves fostering environments where everyone feels secure and supported. In this episode of The Sound Off, Michele Gay and Jake Leichtling, Product Director at Verkada, explore the transformative potential of technology to address safety challenges thoughtfully and effectively.

The discussion centers around practical tech that can make school safety systems more manageable, accessible, and impactful. Michele and Jake focus on how leveraging the right technology helps schools respond to both everyday situations and high-stakes moments with greater confidence and clarity.

Below, you’ll find a full episode guide complete with key takeaways, powerful quotes, and additional resources on leveraging tech for enhanced school safety. Listen to the full episode now to discover practical solutions to cultivating a campus where students and staff feel safe, confident and have the opportunity to thrive.

Episode Guide

[4:00] The Power of Technology: How Schools Can Address Everday Problems

Schools face a complicated array of challenges every day. Jake and Michele explore what these major problems are and how technology can help address them more efficiently and effectively.

“Technology has the power to elevate our abilities. To make them that much quicker, that much easier, that much more accurate and accessible.”-Michele Gay

[9:00] Building Smarter Systems: Key Considerations

Overcomplicated or outdated systems can contribute to confusion in an emergency. When designing safety systems for schools, simplicity and reliability are key. Jake shares three critical pillars for schools to empower their staff to act quickly and confidently when it counts most.

“When you have an emergency situation, it’s hard to think through and operate complex things. So you need to have this waterfall procedure that flows and accomplishes the right thing.”-Jake Leichtling

[14:00] Game-Changing Trends: The Future of School Safety Tech

Wireless locks, digital access control, and AI-driven alert systems are becoming increasingly common in schools. Michele and Jake discuss how these technologies are not just trends—they’re game-changers for safety, simplicity, and more cost-effective operations.

“Something that is absolutely critical is moving to digital access control and having locked doors everywhere on the campus.”-Jake Leichtling 

[18:00] Tackling Big Issues: How Technology Addresses Today’s Challenges

Schools face increasing demands with limited budgets and staff. AI can fill these gaps, helping to identify and address risks, but it must be implemented thoughtfully. Jake explains how AI can amplify schools’ resources while respecting student privacy.

"It’s all about…using computation to make sure that the right information is in the right people’s hands, and giving schools total control over that.”– Jake Leichtling

[31:00] Looking Ahead: The Next Frontier in School Safety

As technology evolves, schools can expect even greater advancements in AI and other tools designed to reduce the burden on staff while improving safety. Michele and Jake emphasize how these developments can empower school communities, making it easier to address safety challenges with clarity and confidence.

“We’re going to keep running with [artificial intelligence]. There are so many different ways of exposing artificial intelligence in the right way in our products to be as maximal of a force multiplier as possible.”– Jake Leichtling

Listen to the Full Episode Now

School safety isn’t a checklist—it’s about creating environments where students and staff can learn and grow without fear. This episode of The Sound Off dives into meaningful solutions that go beyond the surface, offering a deep and thoughtful exploration of how technology can transform safety into a proactive, empowering force for good. Whether you’re navigating daily challenges or planning to protect against tragedy, the insights in this conversation are a must-hear for anyone committed to building safer, stronger school communities. Listen Now

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