Casa Blanca Community School Sets the Gold Standard for Mass Evacuation Drill

March 20, 2026

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

CASA BLANCA, Ariz. — Casa Blanca Community School (CBCS) partnered with several agencies for a mass evacuation drill on March 5. The drill began at 9 a.m. at CBCS, and the students were transported to the District 5 Service Center.

Casa Blanca Community School sets the gold standard for mass evacuation for schools. They are the only school in the Gila River Indian Community that does drill. Representatives from Blackwater Community School and Gila Crossing Community School observed the drill. Both schools are considering implementing the mass evacuation drill at their schools.

The initial drill team from CBCS arrived before the school buses. The teams set up the stations. They include student care, student pick-up, student request and ID verification, release gate, and check-in booths. The participating agencies include the Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, the Gila River Police Department (GRPD) and Fire Department.

GRPD escorted the school buses from CBCS to the District 5 Service Center. Upon arrival, the students got off, and their teachers led them into the gymnasium. Students were organized according to grade levels. Principal Kim Franklin instructed her teachers to confirm the “accountability check” of all the students by holding up a sign.

Parents volunteered and were instructed and given a pick-up form for their student. Each form had a unique scenario, such as no identification card. If a parent did not have their ID on them, the school had a verification technician. The principal or vice principal verifies the parent or guardian of the student in case there is no ID card. O’otham and Pee Posh speakers were also present in case an interpreter was needed. 

The teachers were with their students the entire drill. They had prearranged assignments for their students. After completing the assignment, the student watched the movie ‘Shrek’ on the big screen. The School Resource Officer (SRO) spoke to the students and assured them that this is only a drill and everything will be okay and gave students high-fives. The students were happy with the reassurance from the SRO, who is part of the GRPD.

“We have been doing this drill for three years now. The drill is a preparation for a mass evacuation of our campus. We created a lesson plan for the drill so the students have assignments. The drill includes a structured student release program. Certain protocols need to be met for student release during emergencies,” said Ronald Stiffarm, 4th grade teacher.

“Mass school evacuation drills are important for several reasons. For example, we believe practicing the drill is good for students’ safety. Drill helps our school and the Community prepare for an emergency. Protecting the school children is paramount,” said Principal Franklin.

“Our sister schools, Blackwater and Gila Cross[ing], observed our drill. They may choose to implement it in their schools. I want to thank the Office of Emergency Management and other agencies that contribute to this drill,” she added.