Staff Reports | Community Updates
Safety across Scottsdale Unified School District starts long before an emergency occurs.
From preparing campuses and coordinating with first responders to building relationships with students and staff, Josh Friedman, SUSD director of safety and security, works to create a safer learning environment across the district.
Education Insider Magazine named Mr. Friedman its 2026 Safety and Security Director of the Year, recognizing his work in school safety, emergency preparedness and relationship building, according to a press release.
Mr. Friedman was featured in the magazine’s cover story, “Strengthening Safety Through Trust,” which highlights his work in emergency preparedness, coordination with local public safety agencies, oversight of district security personnel and investments in safety technology.
In his role, Mr. Friedman oversees district emergency preparedness, coordinates with three police departments and two fire departments, manages the district’s school resource officer partnership and leads a team of approximately 35 district security officers.
Mr. Friedman’s approach emphasizes relationships, including knowing students and staff, building trust and making safety practices practical and easy to understand.
That approach is reflected in SUSD’s “DIG IT for Safety” campaign, which gives students and staff four reminders: keep doors locked, wear identification badges, keep exterior gates closed and protect technology passwords.
“Every decision ultimately returns to whether it benefits the children and staff on campus,” Mr. Friedman shared.
