School safety summit held in Greenville

School safety summit held in Greenville

GREENVILLE, N.C. — School safety professionals from across North Carolina gathered in Greenville on Tuesday to discuss ways to protect students and staff as the new school year approaches.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Chip Hawley spoke at the Center for Safer Schools’ 2026 RISE Back to School Summit.

Center for Safer Schools Executive Director Karen Fairley opened the event and welcomed attendees.

The summit focuses on several issues affecting K-12 schools, including school climate, student discipline and emergency preparedness.

During his remarks, Hawley highlighted the partnerships among the SBI, local law enforcement agencies and schools across the state.

Hawley said those partnerships play an important role in protecting students, teachers, staff members and visitors as classes resume this fall.