John McDonald is a recognized expert in school safety and crisis management, with a strong track record of developing and implementing strategies that protect students, staff, and communities. As the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Council for School Safety Leadership, as well as the COO of the Missouri School Boards’ Association Center for Education Safety, he brings a wealth of experience in creating comprehensive safety plans, improving emergency preparedness, and guiding organizations through real-world crises. John’s approach emphasizes proactive risk management, building resilient safety cultures, and fostering collaboration among school leaders, law enforcement, and community stakeholders. As a speaker, he offers actionable insights on crisis prevention, response, and recovery, making him a valuable resource for schools and organizations committed to strengthening their safety and security measures.
WHY
Book
John
FOR YOUR EVENT?
“For years, we tried to find a school safety consultant or agency that brought real life experience and expertise to the table rather than just personal opinions. Upon finding John McDonald, it was apparent to me and our nearly fifty public schools that our search was over. Since December of 2012, we have worked closely with John to standardize our school safety programs county wide. From threat assessments to student/staff and first responder response and reunification and recovery, John has been here to guide us through it all.”
—Kevin Burd, Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office, Hunterdon County, New Jersey
WHO
Books
John
?
John McDonald is a dynamic and respected leader in school safety and crisis management, known for his clear, pragmatic approach and deep operational expertise. A seasoned speaker and advisor, John brings real-world experience to every stage of safety planning—from prevention to response and recovery. His collaborative style and actionable guidance resonate with school leaders, emergency personnel, and community partners alike. John is a top choice for organizations seeking to strengthen their safety culture, enhance preparedness, and build lasting resilience across their systems.
Recent audiences and conferences include:
Lake County Regional Office of Education
Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Add your school or organization to the list of those inspired by John McDonald – book him today!
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Get Inspired
TO BRING
John
TO YOUR NEXT EVENT!
Coming Soon: John’s new book, “The Essential 5” will be released in 2025. Stay tuned for more information!
SPEAKER
Topics Include
Safety & Security
Leadership, Law & Policy
Operations & Emergency Management
Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management
Violence Prevention Strategies
Physical Security & Risk Assessment
Emergency Preparedness Strategies
Active Shooter Preparedness & Response
Signature
PRESENTATIONS
Click on the titles to learn more about each signature presentation and fill out the form below to book for your next event.
Stop Justifying and Believe the Threat
45-minute to 1.5-hour Keynote
25 years into the modern era of school violence, and we continue to struggle with the prevention, preparation for, response to, and recovery from school shootings. This keynote is a direct, honest conversation about the challenges, failures, and lessons learned, as well as successes and trends occurring around the country.
Developed for both educators and first responders, this discussion addresses vital issues these groups are facing, including threat management practices, emergency management, incident command principles, and classroom management struggles. It’s time to stop justifying and believe the threat.
“The World Isn’t a Scary Place...But it is Uncertain”
45-minute to 1.5-hour Keynote
Nationally recognized school safety leader John McDonald is known for developing the post Columbine security program recognized by the White House following the Sandy Hook tragedy as a model school safety program. His work on the front lines of school safety has included managing ongoing threats to Columbine HS, leading the district through the 2nd Deer Creek Middle School shooting, the kidnapping and homicide of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway while walking to school and the tragic suicide of a student who set himself on fire at school in front of more than 200 classmates.
John’s presentation will discuss the challenges of being a responder and the impact of loss, trauma and the challenges of responsibility when even the responders’ assumptions are shattered.
No Higher Calling
45-minte to 1.5-hour Keynote
Law enforcement and educators alike share a common bond and belief that protecting our most precious resource–our children– is the greatest of responsibilities. Breaking down silos and a willingness to have difficult conversations today is the difference in success or failure of tomorrow's crisis. This presentation shares proven and successful strategies that will create a climate and culture of safety and quality education.
Testimonials
“John is wonderful to work with and an outstanding presenter. I really enjoyed meeting him and the knowledge he brings to school safety is amazing.”
—Shay McCorkle, Director of Educational Services, Lake County Regional Office of Education
Speaker
BIOGRAPHY
John McDonald co-founded The Council for School Safety Leadership (CSSL) in 2022, and today serves as the organization's chief operating officer. This new national school safety organization provides crisis management services for executive leaders. Within CSSL's first two months, John assembled a network of national experts and hit the ground running by supporting executive school district leaders after a school shooting in St. Louis, which was the 7th school shooting John has responded to or provided support to during the past 14 years.
John's work protecting kids has been featured on the front page of the Washington Post and in the Showtime documentary "Active Shooter: America Under Fire," as well as in the FBI documentaries "Echoes of Columbine" and "In the Aftermath." John is recognized internationally as the architect of the post-Columbine tragedy safety, security, and emergency management plan, now considered a gold standard in the industry.
For 14 years, John was responsible for protecting 86,000 students and 14,000 employees as executive director of school safety for Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado. Along the way, he made a difference by leading school safety preparedness, response, and recovery efforts not just in Colorado, but also in districts around the country following various school-related tragedies. In 2016, John created the Frank DeAngelis Center for Community Safety, located in Colorado. This first-of-its-kind, school-owned active shooter training center has provided no-cost training to more than 12,000 first responders and educators.
Following the Sandy Hook tragedy, the White House asked John to speak about the importance of active shooter preparedness in America's schools and the imperative of building positive relationships between schools, students, and law enforcement. In 2022, John was awarded the prestigious Homeland Security ASTORS award for "his dedication to safeguarding our nation's children."
John's work helping school districts make sense of the unimaginable so kids and teachers can get back to the business of learning goes far beyond school shootings. He led Jeffco Public Schools' recovery efforts following kidnapping and homicide of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway in Westminster, Colorado and after the public suicide of a student who set himself on fire in front of 200 students.
Often sought out as a national presenter and by media both for us insight and his willingness to share the uncomfortable truths impacting school communities, John provides support for K-12 and higher ed institutions because he believes that every student deserves a safe learning environment free from threat, intimidation, and harassment.
John earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Metro State University in Colorado. His experience as a former police officer, proud Army National Guard veteran, and senior manager of U.S. investigations for a worldwide corporation have provided the foundation for a life's work protecting the most innocent.