About Us:

Geoffrey Pavao has over 20 years of law enforcement experience and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Bentley University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell. His background provides a strong foundation in safety planning, risk assessment, and emergency response.

James Antonelli has more than 30 years of experience in public education, including service as Principal of Westford Academy, Dean of Students and Athletic Director at Newburyport High School, and the Liaison for School Safety and Operations for the Newburyport Public Schools. Jim has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Massachusetts, Lowell, a Master’s Degree from Salem State University in Educational Leadership, and is certified as a high school principal and superintendent by the Massachusetts Department of Education. His leadership roles offer practical insight and a pragmatic approach into the daily safety needs of schools and districts.

We work with schools and organizations to strengthen preparedness in the following areas:

• • • Active intruder and lockdown planning
    • Hardening of school facilities
    • Staff training in ALICE, First Aid, CPR, and Stop the Bleed
    • Emergency evacuation and reunification planning
    • Crisis Response Team development and tabletop exercises
    • Professional Development Day Seminars/Trainings and/or Executive Leadership Team Consultations
    • Threat Assessment

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Geoffrey Pavao for the exceptional Active Shooter Response training he provided to UTC Aerospace Systems. His presentation exceeded expectations and was extremely well received by our workforce. Geoffrey was knowledgeable, engaging, and able to communicate critical information in a practical and impactful manner.

Following his presentation, it became clear that our organization would benefit from continued collaboration. We look forward to working with Geoffrey further, including scheduling a comprehensive assessment of our building to improve our response planning and overall security posture.

I strongly recommend Geoffrey for any organization seeking credible, effective safety training and guidance. His depth of experience and commitment to public safety make him an invaluable resource.

Sincerely,

Sarah Sullivan, CPSO
Special Access Programs – Counterintelligence Program Coordinator
UTC Aerospace Systems

I am writing to offer my strong support for the school security efforts within the Newburyport Public Schools and, in particular, to recognize the outstanding leadership and service of James Antonelli, who served as the district’s Safety Liaison.

In his role, Mr. Antonelli has demonstrated exceptional commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of students, staff, and the broader school community. He served as the lead for Newburyport Public Schools Security, as the district safety liaison and had taken a proactive, collaborative approach to emergency preparedness and response.

In the fall of 2023, Mr. Antonelli hosted a comprehensive onsite training at the Newburyport High School for Newburyport Police, Fire, and Ambulance services, strengthening coordination and communication among all emergency responders. He established clear and effective safety protocols for the elementary, upper elementary, middle, and high school, utilizing A.L.I.C.E. protocols to ensure consistency and best practices across the district.

Mr. Antonelli also worked extensively within the community to establish designated rally points and reunification sites, providing families with clear guidance and reassurance in the event of an emergency. With JIm’s direction and leadership the districts partnership with VERKADA Security resulted in the installation of updated camera systems and panic buttons, further enhancing school security infrastructure. Additionally, he had ballistic film installed on vestibules at all schools, significantly improving building safety.

Understanding the importance of communication during emergencies, Mr. Antonelli established a designated media location should an incident occur within the district. He also met with district principals each fall to review and reinforce all safety protocols, further ensuring ongoing preparedness and shared understanding among school leadership.

James Antonelli was a tremendous asset to the Newburyport Public Schools during his tenure. His professionalism, foresight, and dedication to student and staff safety has strengthened the district’s overall security posture and emergency readiness. I appreciate the work that Jim did for our district, he made our school district safer for everyone. I would highly recommend Jim to any school district in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for consulting services connected to school safely.

Sincerely,

Sean Gallagher, Superintendent,
Newburyport Public Schools