About

About US
 

Founded in 2017, Safe School Associates (SSA) provides personalized, expert safety advice to school organizations. With a passion for ensuring school organizations not only have the tools to keep their schools safe, but the knowledge to understand how to implement these tools.

WE Understand

We understand that as school leaders, you receive tons of information about a variety of topics on a daily basis. At School Safety Associates (SSA) our goal is to be your one stop shop for all your school safety needs. With a variety of resources, at a variety of price points, we are confident we have something for everyone.

As an SSA member, you will receive access to the latest safety tips and tools, with help from a leading safety director.

SSA exists to help you create a safe, sustainable school that fits in your unique culture and budget.

Consultants

A Team Of Professionals

Brian Gard

President

Brian is the founder and president of Safe School Associates. He is the primary contact for inquiring schools, as well as serves as a direct safety consultant for members. Safety consulting is not new to Brian, in 2006 he founded CommTac Solutions (CTS), a safety consulting company for  businesses. Brian also serves as the manager of safety and security for a large multi-state charter school company. In this role, he provides support for 84 K-8 public charter schools in nine states. He leads a team that is responsible for emergency planning, health and safety training, and compliance. Brian was named runner-up for the Campus Safety Director of the Year award (Campus Safety Magazine). He also previously served as the Midwest Director of the National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officers (NASSLEO) and on the board for Safety Summit 100. Brian currently serves as a board member for Silent Observer of Kent County (Michigan).

Previously, Brian spent 12 years with the Grand Rapids Police Department where he served on the special response team, training bureau, and patrol division. He has several hundred hours of instruction to various audiences, including being an adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Community College. He presented at national school safety conferences. Brian earned his master’s degree in management from Aquinas College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western Michigan University.

SSA has partnered with leading experts in specific content areas that will be featured in upcoming offerings.