20+ Years in Education
100+ Campuses Served
K–12 & Higher Ed
Southern California Based
About NLight Consulting
NLight Consulting emerged from a simple truth: educators need partners in safety who understand schools from the inside. Our founder spent years leading campus safety initiatives before creating this firm to bring that expertise directly to institutions across Southern California.
We partner with K–12 schools, private academies, community colleges, and universities to build comprehensive safety programs grounded in practical experience and evidence-based research. Our work is rooted in deep respect for educational environments and the complex challenges they face.
Safety doesn't mean more guards or locked doors alone. It means thoughtful planning, trained staff, clear protocols, and a culture where students and educators feel secure enough to focus on their work. That's what we build.
This isn't theory. This is preparation built from experience.
What We Bring
Education-First Mindset
We're educators first, consultants second. Every recommendation reflects an understanding of how schools and universities actually operate.
Lasting Partnerships
We don't hand off reports and disappear. We build relationships with your institution and provide ongoing support as your needs evolve.
Institutional Expertise
From security assessments to emergency planning, threat assessment, and policy development, we cover every dimension of campus safety.
Southern California Presence
Based in Camarillo, we know the local landscape, regulations, and unique challenges facing institutions throughout our region.
Research-Informed Methods
Our approaches are grounded in current best practices from the U.S. Department of Education, FEMA, and verified educational safety research.
Grant-Ready Strategy
We document findings and solutions in formats that strengthen grant applications and demonstrate readiness for federal and state funding opportunities.
254
School shooting incidents reported in 2024–2025
Source: K–12 School Shooting Database
Why it matters: Every incident represents a community in crisis. Prevention and preparation save lives.
8.4
Workplace violence rate per 10,000 workers in education sector
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why it matters: Staff safety is student safety. A protected workforce creates a protected campus.
97%
Public schools with access control but lacking comprehensive emergency operations plans
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Why it matters: Security infrastructure means little without clear protocols. Planning closes the gap.
$73M
Annual federal funding available for school safety, much of it unclaimed
Source: U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office
Why it matters: Resources exist for institutions ready to implement. Strategic planning unlocks opportunity.
Eric Barnes
Founder & President, NLight Consulting
Every child deserves a school where they feel safe to learn, grow, and thrive.
With over two decades in education and school administration, Eric Barnes founded NLight Consulting to bridge the gap between school communities and best-in-class safety practices. His experience spans campus safety leadership and district-level safety program development, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges facing both K–12 schools and colleges.
Based in Camarillo, California, Eric works directly with superintendents, principals, university safety directors, and campus leaders to develop practical, research-informed safety programs that protect students and empower educators — without creating a climate of fear.
Our Services
Safety Assessments
Comprehensive on-site evaluations of your campus security — from K–12 schools to college facilities — identifying vulnerabilities and providing clear, prioritized recommendations.
Deliverable: Detailed assessment report with action plan
Policy Development
Review and creation of safety policies that meet compliance requirements while reflecting your institution's values and culture — for school boards and university administrations alike.
Deliverable: Updated policy manual & board presentation
Emergency Planning
Custom emergency operations plans tailored to your institution's layout, population, and local resources — aligned with state and federal guidelines for K–12 and higher education.
Deliverable: Complete emergency operations plan
Threat Assessment Programs
Establish or strengthen multidisciplinary threat assessment teams with evidence-based protocols to identify and intervene before incidents occur — serving both K–12 and college campuses.
Deliverable: Threat assessment framework & team training
Staff & Faculty Training
Interactive, scenario-based training for teachers, professors, administrators, and support staff covering crisis response, de-escalation, and situational awareness.
Deliverable: On-site training sessions & resource kit
Grant Writing & Funding Support
Navigate state and federal safety grant opportunities with expert guidance on eligibility, application strategy, and compliance documentation specific to K–12 and higher education institutions.
Deliverable: Grant readiness assessment & application support materials
Why Institutions Choose NLight
Educator-First Approach
We come from education, not law enforcement. Our recommendations are designed for real school and campus environments — practical, supportive, and never militaristic.
Trusted Partnerships
We don't deliver a report and disappear. NLight builds ongoing relationships with your school or university community for sustained improvement and support.
Local Knowledge
Based in Camarillo, we understand the unique needs and regulations of Southern California institutions — from small private academies to large public universities.
500+
50+
Districts & Institutions
2,000+
Educators Trained
20+
Years of Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of institutions do you work with?
We work with public, private, and charter schools serving grades K through 12, as well as community colleges and universities across Southern California. Our approach is tailored to each institution's size, community, and unique needs.
Do you offer virtual or remote consulting?
Yes. While on-site visits are ideal for assessments, we offer virtual policy reviews, training sessions, and ongoing advisory support for institutions throughout California.
Can you help us apply for school safety grants?
We can advise on available state and federal safety grants, help you understand eligibility requirements, and support your applications with the documentation our assessments provide.
How long does a safety assessment typically take?
Most single-campus assessments are completed within one to two days on site, with a detailed report delivered within two weeks. Multi-campus districts or universities may require additional time.
Are your recommendations compliant with California regulations?
Absolutely. All of our plans and policies align with California Education Code requirements, FEMA guidelines, and current best practices from the U.S. Department of Education — for both K–12 and higher education.
What makes NLight different from other security consultants?
Our founder is a career educator, not a former law enforcement officer. We focus on creating safe, welcoming learning environments — not hardened facilities. Our recommendations are practical, age-appropriate, and designed to be implemented by school and university staff.