Safety & Security
Safety is our top priority in the Westlake City Schools. We work tirelessly to ensure the physical, emotional and social safety of our students and staff. We believe safety is a community effort and responsibility, and we thank you for your partnership.
Coronavirus Preparedness & Response
The safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority for the Westlake City School District. In our efforts to keep everyone informed with the latest information on coronavirus (COVID-19), please refer to our coronavirus information page for updates and resources.
How We Keep Our Schools Safe
Emergency Response Guide
Safety FAQ
- What is the district's position on firearms in schools?
- Why can't you share your entire safety plan?
- What is your visitor policy?
- How do you monitor who comes into the building?
- Where are cameras located? Who monitors them?
- What type of safety training is provided to staff?
What is the district's position on firearms in schools?
Why can't you share your entire safety plan?
What is your visitor policy?
How do you monitor who comes into the building?
Where are cameras located? Who monitors them?
What type of safety training is provided to staff?
Safety Resources
School staff are well educated on a variety of external supports available to students and their families. No matter the need, our staff can help connect families with valuable resources to support them through a variety of challenges. The following are just some of your community resources:
- Cuyahoga County Board of Health
- Emergency Preparedness (from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health)
- Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County
- Positive Education Program (PEP)
- Frontline 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis, Information & Referral Hotline: 216.623.6888.
- TeenMentalHealth.org
Communication
In the event of an emergency, the Westlake City Schools will use a variety of channels to communicate information to our parents and community.
- Mobile app alerts and email notifications. Get connected and stay in touch with Westlake CSD by downloading our free mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (look for our green W). Download on your mobile device and select YES to receive push notifications with the latest news and updates from the district.
- SchoolMessenger phone calls and text messages. The phone numbers you provide at the beginning of the school year through Registration Gateway are the numbers that will receive district communications.
- Announcements on the district website.
- Announcements on social media. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
See Something, Say Something
Need to report something suspicious? Text or call our anonymous SaferSchools Ohio tip line at
844-SAFEROH (844.723.3764)
The Westlake City School District participates in SaferSchools Ohio, an anonymous tip line through the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The SaferOH tip line accepts calls and text message 24/7.
How Can I Help?
There are a lot of things you can do to help us.
Report issues of concern to our staff or via SaferSchools Ohio, an anonymous tip line through the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Call or text 844-SaferOH (844.723.3764).
Reassure your child of their safety in our schools. School is still one of the safest places for children. Remind them that we care about them and we are committed to keeping them safe.
Meet Our School Resource Officers
School Resource Officers from the Westlake Police Department are housed at Westlake High School, Lee Burneson Middle School, Dover Intermediate School and Westlake Elementary School. Officers walk school hallways, interacting with students and staff to create a personal connection with local law enforcement. You can read the Memorandum of Understanding between Westlake Schools and the City of Westlake that makes this partnerships possible.
Officer Scott Fortkamp

- Westlake Police Officer 22 years
- School Resource Officer 18 years at Westlake High School
- Certified State of Ohio and National SRO training
- Crisis Intervention Team
- Active Shooter instructor
- Defensive Tactics instructor
- Less Lethal Weapons instructor
- Bomb Threat Response training
- Prescription drug abuse and diversion training
- Autism awareness training
- Alcohol and drug awareness training
- Anger Management in Schools training
- Safer Schools training
Officer Keenan Cook

- Westlake Police Officer 13 years (23 years total law enforcement)
- School Resource Officer/Drug Abuse Prevention Officer
- D.A.R.E. Officer to 3rd, 5th & 7th grades (drug prevention, bullying, peer pressure, stress, over-the-counter/prescription drug abuse)
Officer Pat Foye

- School Resource Officer/Drug Abuse Prevention Officer at Lee Burneson Middle School
- Lakewood Police Department - 25 years, with assignments as Detective, Investigator and Narcotics Detective
- U.S. Army (Reserve) Retired
- WEB SWAT
- WEB negotiator
Officer Ted Morley
- School Resource Officer/Drug Abuse Prevention Officer at Dover Intermediate School
- Lakewood Police Department 26 years
- Westshore Enforcement Bureau (WEB) SWAT
- U.S. Marshals Service Task Force
- Community officer
- Firearms and Tactics trainer
Officer Kendra Yurgionas

- School Resource Officer/Drug Abuse Prevention Officer
- Expertise in social media and cybercrime
- Former member of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
Officer Joe Rutkowski
- School Resource Officer/Westlake Elementary School
- Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department 7 years
- Cleveland Police Department 18 years
- Westlake Police Department 15 years
Officer Tim Gaertner
- School Resource Officer/Westlake Elementary School
- Cleveland Police Department 32 years
- Officer in Charge of the Cleveland Division of Police S.W.A.T. Unit
- Officer in Charge of the Cleveland Division of Police Fugitive Unit
- Task Force Officer with the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force through the U.S. Marshals Service