The Agua Fria high school, Avondale and Litchfield elementary school districts have started the West Valley Safety Coalition to help educate staff, students and community members on protocols during a campus crisis.

Organizers said the effort is the first of its kind in the West Valley.

The three districts will collaborate with first responders and use local and national resources "to enhance protocols and raise awareness about safety measures in the communities covered by the schools," stated a release from the Goodyear Police Department, which is a part of the coalition's effort.

“The goal of this initiative is to come together as a tri-district community to ensure our students, staff and families feel the most prepared and informed," said Mark Yslas, Agua Fria's superintendent.

"I want our community to join forces with us - we need their support. The leaders have come together, and we need families to join with us. We are all in this together.” 

The coalition's mission is to ensure the community around a school is informed on procedures and "can collaborate with stakeholders to be prepared for unprecedented events," the release stated.

Meeting and communication will take place "on an ongoing basis with staff and families, along with educating students throughout the year," the release stated.