School Safety Task Force

Update to the Board of Education March 12, 2013

School Safety Task Force Charge

To review the state of school security, emergency
planning and safe and nurturing schools and community security, emergency planning and safe and nurturing schools and community

To make recommendations to improve school

To strengthen the partnership between Howard

County Public Schools and its safety partners

To listen to our community

Areas of Focus for the Task Force

Physical Security and Security Protocols Emergency Response Planning

Safe and Nurturing Schools and Community

Physical Security and Security Protocols Subcommittee Areas of Focus Physical Building Security Physical Security and Security Protocols School Security Practices

Physical Security and Security Protocols Recommendations

Recommendation 1
Improve the physical security features of schools across the county.

Recommendation 2
Strengthen school security practices at all schools and ensure consistency in implementation across the school system.

Emergency Planning Subcommittee Areas of Focus

School Emergency Planning Role of Safety Partners

Emergency Planning

Emergency Planning Subcommittee Recommendations

Recommendation 3
Each school will ensure that all personnel are trained at least annually on its specific emergency response plan.

Recommendation 4
Non-school users of the school facilities must be familiar with each schools emergency plan.

Emergency Planning Subcommittee Recommendations

Recommendation 5
Non-public schools need to have effective emergency response plans for their schools. As with the public schools, the responsible parties must be trained on the plans and the plans must be exercised.

Emergency Planning Subcommittee Recommendations

Recommendation 6
Ensure post-incident resources are available for survivors, victims families, police and emergency staff.

Recommendation 7
Ensure community recovery is considered in developing community emergency response plans.

Safe and Nurturing Schools and Community Subcommittee Areas of Focus

School and Community Anti-Bullying Plan/Supports

Creating a Positive School and Community Culture

Mental Health Access and Supports

Safe and Nurturing Schools and Community

Safe and Nurturing Schools and Community Subcommittee Recommendations

Recommendation 8
Improve communication to ensure parents, students, and the community are aware of the school system efforts to create positive school cultures in each building.

Recommendation 9
Incorporate a school climate focus area into each schools improvement planning process.

Safe and Nurturing Schools and Community Subcommittee Recommendations

Recommendation 10
Increase communication to staff, parents, students, and the community regarding mental health access and supports available both in the schools and in the community.

Safe and Nurturing Schools and Community Subcommittee Recommendations

Recommendation 11
Provide professional learning to school staff that supports students socialemotional well-being, demystifies mental health concerns, and identifies available school and community resources.

Thank you!!!!

Task Force Members
Subcommittee Members
School Staff, Parents and Students
Safety Partners
Community

Next Steps

Final Report Released March 18

Press Conference at Thunder Hill
Elementary School, 1:15 p.m.