If you’re wondering whether school safety systems impact enrollment numbers, here’s the honest answer: they do. Rami Michael, CEO of CareHawk, sat down with Grow Schools to talk about it—and the takeaway is simple. Parents, students, and staff care deeply about safety. And when schools make it a priority, people notice.
Here are three real-world lessons from that conversation
1. Communication Systems Aren’t Just Helpful—They’re Essential
Emergencies don’t wait for you to react. They unfold in seconds. With fires, violent incidents, weather threats, and even wild animals on campus -whatever the crisis- schools need a fast, reliable way to talk to the right people.
That’s where modern safety tech comes in.
CareHawk’s integrated communication system is more than an intercom and public address system. It’s the backbone of school operations—handling everything from bell schedules to emergency lockdowns, with audio and visual alerts. When every second counts, it helps schools stay on track and respond quickly.
2. Better Safety = Better Enrollment (And Retention Too)
Families and teachers are doing their research when choosing a school to attend or work at. When a school installs tech that protects students and staff, enrollment, achievement, attendance, and retention improve.
The 2024 National Educator Survey Report reveals:
School safety directly impacts student achievement and well-being
- 84% affirm that school safety directly impacts student achievement
- 83% report that students have some level of concern for their safety while at school
School safety is a key factor in educator retention and recruitment
- 77% believe school safety significantly impacts staff retention and recruitment
- 45% have considered leaving or left their job due to feeling unsafe
- 57% know of a colleague who has left their job due to feeling unsafe
Perceptions of safety can influence parental decisions regarding school choice and affect student and staff retention. Ensuring a safe school environment is crucial not only for student well-being and academic success but also for maintaining and potentially increasing student enrollment.
3. Integration and Cybersecurity Aren’t Nice-to-Haves
School safety systems are moving to digital. That’s a good thing—but only if schools are ready to handle the risks that come with it.
As Rami Michael put it: “You can’t separate the physical and digital anymore. If your safety system is IP-based, cybersecurity has to be part of the conversation.”
In plain terms? A modern safety system needs to be secure and not a vulnerability on the network, built to last, and able to grow with your school. It should integrate with other platforms and work fast in an emergency. Just clear, instant communication that helps people respond.
The Real Impact: Culture, Confidence, and Continuity
Here’s something not everyone talks about: school safety doesn’t just protect—it retains. Teachers who feel safe are more likely to stay. Students who feel safe are more likely to succeed. And when staff stick around, learning gets better. That’s the kind of continuity that helps schools thrive.
When safety is handled well, schools become more than just places to learn. They become communities where people want to stay.
A safety communication system isn’t just a line item on a budget—it’s a promise. A commitment to every teacher, student, and family member that their well-being matters. The schools that make that commitment are better positioned to see the impact.
We’re proud to be part of it.
Need more information about CareHawk and it’s solutions? Then contact us today.