Olivia Ellison

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed school operations, revealing significant gaps in infectious disease preparedness while generating valuable lessons for future outbreaks. As schools navigate endemic COVID-19 and prepare for other infectious threats, evidence-based practices emphasize layered prevention, equity, and sustainable protocols. The New Normal: Infectious Disease as Ongoing Concern Pre-pandemic, school infectious disease planning focused primarily on seasonal flu and occasional...

Students with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and special educational needs require individualized emergency planning that goes far beyond standard protocols. Federal law requires this planning, yet research shows significant gaps between legal requirements and actual implementation. Creating truly inclusive emergency preparedness requires systematic, student-centered approaches. Legal Requirements and Reality The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation...

When emergencies occur, school leaders bear enormous responsibility for making rapid, high-stakes decisions that affect student safety, staff security, and community trust. Recent research in crisis leadership and organizational psychology offers evidence-based guidance for principals and district administrators navigating emergencies. The Unique Burden of School Crisis Leadership Unlike corporate or military leaders, school principals manage crises involving children—heightening emotional...