How a School Superintendent Uses Flex-Safe® Barricades to Keep Students Safe
“The Flex-Safe® barricades have transformed how we manage safety on our campuses. They’re lightweight, fast, and the signage makes a huge difference for clarity.”
Meet Dr. Renee Caldwell and Her Challenge
Dr. Renee Caldwell is the Superintendent of a suburban K–12 district with 12 campuses and over 8,000 students. Her top priority is safety without disruption to learning.
Her team faces growing challenges:
- Severe weather events that sometimes force temporary closures.
- Ongoing construction and building maintenance projects.
- Campus intrusions and the need for better crowd management during events.
Dr. Caldwell wanted a solution that would:
- Keep students, teachers, and visitors safe.
- Provide temporary barricades for fast setup and takedown.
- Integrate with clear signage to communicate safety directions.
- Be more durable and reliable than wooden barricades or cones.
The Superintendent’s Task: Making Campuses Safer
From the start, Dr. Caldwell’s job wasn’t just “buy barricades.” Her job-to-be-done was:
- Protect students and staff during daily operations.
- Create clear pathways during maintenance, construction, and emergencies.
- Avoid creating fear or panic—safety should feel supportive, not intimidating.
- Empower custodial and maintenance teams with tools that are easy to use and store.
The Flex-Safe® Solution
Simple, Strong, and Safe
Dr. Caldwell chose Flex-Safe® Barricades because they are:
- Lightweight and portable—her staff can move and set them up in seconds.
- Durable—unlike wooden barricades that rot or break.
- Highly visible—the bright colors and reflective strips increase awareness.
Signs That Attach for Clarity
The district added custom signs that attach to the Flex-Safe® barriers. These signs:
- Direct foot traffic during maintenance or events.
- Mark restricted areas clearly to avoid confusion.
- Improve worker and visitor safety by giving clear instructions.
Versatile Use Cases Across the District
- During building maintenance – Barricades keep students out of unsafe areas.
- During severe weather drills – Barriers mark safe routes and gathering points.
- At sporting events and concerts – Temporary barriers control crowds and guide parents and students.
- For parking lots and drop-off zones – A safer alternative to A-frame barricades or just cones.
What the District Achieved
Improved Safety and Peace of Mind
Staff and students quickly learned to respect the barricades. Teachers noted how students followed signs without confusion, reducing risks in maintenance zones.
Efficiency for Maintenance Teams
Facility directors praised the fast setup. Instead of struggling with heavy wooden barricades or stacks of cones, a single staff member could secure an area in seconds.
Trusted by Parents and the Community
Parents noticed the clear signage and professional look. Instead of cluttered cones, they saw a cohesive safety system. This boosted trust in the district’s commitment to security.
Testimonials
“Before Flex-Safe®, we used cones and wooden barricades. They were heavy, unclear, and often ignored. Now, students and staff know exactly where to go.”
– Mark Diaz, Director of Facilities
“As a parent, I feel more confident dropping my child off knowing the school has a clear and professional safety system in place.”
– Parent, District Elementary School
Why Flex-Safe® Works for Schools
Designed for Real-World Challenges
Flex-Safe® barricades were created with schools, public works, and events in mind. Unlike traffic cones or wooden barricades, they provide clarity and control.
Portable, Durable, and Visible
They withstand daily wear and tear, are easy to store, and can adapt to any environment—indoors or outdoors.
Customizable with Signs
The ability to attach safety or directional signage adds extra layers of communication and authority, ensuring no one misunderstands.
The Bigger Picture: Safer Schools, Better Learning
Dr. Caldwell reminds us that safety supports learning. When students and staff feel secure, they can focus on teaching and growing.
Her district’s investment in Flex-Safe® barricades and signage is not just about compliance or appearances. It’s about creating an environment where safety feels natural and trusted.
Conclusion: The Superintendent’s Choice
For school districts facing growing safety demands, Flex-Safe® barricades with signs provide a professional, trusted, and student-friendly solution.
As Dr. Caldwell puts it:
| “Flex-Safe® allows us to be proactive about safety without interrupting learning. That’s the balance every superintendent needs.” |
“As a parent, I feel more confident dropping my child off knowing the school has a clear and professional safety system in place.”
“Before Flex-Safe®, we used cones and wooden barricades. They were heavy, unclear, and often ignored. Now, students and staff know exactly where to go.”