Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

School safety remains a key focus for the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, which continues to invest in efforts aimed at providing secure and welcoming environments for students, faculty, and staff.

Assistant Superintendent Sister Anne Joelle Braunsroth, C.K., stated, “Our school administrators strive to keep our schools safe so the students can be apostles in this world and saints in heaven.”

To enhance security measures, Father Lawrence Stoley, diocesan director of Catholic schools, engaged Sundown Global Solutions LLC last April. The company’s owner and principal consultant, Joe Cowan—a former Marine and FBI supervisory agent—brings significant experience in institutional and personal security. Cowan has longstanding ties to the diocese: he attended Blessed Sacrament School in Lincoln, graduated from Pius X High School in 1987, his children have attended local Catholic schools, and his wife is a current faculty member.

“This is important to me,” said Cowan. “Catholic schools are important, and it’s important that they have the same resources and guidance that the public schools get.”

Recognizing budget constraints faced by many Catholic schools compared to their public counterparts, Cowan began by providing administrators with a list of ten low- or no-cost security tactics that could be implemented immediately.

Cowan’s first project focused on Pius X High School—the largest campus within the diocese—which recently started a major construction project involving outside workers during school hours. His approach included interviews with administrators and staff. “I want their input,” he said. “It doesn’t do any good for me to walk around observing without context.”

He recommends annual internal security assessments at all schools as well as independent analyses every three to five years. He also offers ongoing consultation services for administrators seeking help prioritizing improvements or applying for grants related to security costs.

In June, more than 100 school administrators and crisis team members participated in a training session led by Sister Anne Joelle along with Courtney Miller, Ph.D., and Beth Kozisek Ph.D., from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center. The session aimed to help crisis teams learn protocols for various situations—from minor incidents like student altercations or nearby police activity to more serious events such as an intruder or sudden death on campus.

“It just helps our administrators be prepared before something happens,” Sister Anne Joelle said. “You can think through it ahead of time. Usually there is something that is going to happen during the school year, even if it is minor.”

The diocese stresses a faith-integrated response that includes prayer alongside practical support for those affected by crises.

During the June training session, Cowan presented real-life scenarios from other U.S. schools for group discussion on protocol development specific to each institution. Another goal was strengthening regional networks among crisis teams; the diocese divided its district into seven regions so teams could meet peers who might assist during emergencies.

“When you are in the midst of crisis, it’s hard to think through things, so it’s good to have another school to help out,” Sister Anne Joelle explained.

Following training sessions over summer break—including drills planned for fire or tornado scenarios—teams will share new protocols with colleagues before students return in fall.

Cowan commented on his involvement: “It’s important that schools provide a safe and secure environment that promotes learning,” he said. “Kids don’t learn as well and teachers don’t teach as well unless they are in a secure environment.”

Sister Anne Joelle added: “We are just so blessed to have such dedicated administrators and staff who take this seriously… The students are loved, and we care about them. We are here to support them in whatever way we can.”