School safety takes center stage
Published: April 1, 2013
The horrific school shootings in Newtown, Conn., last December have reignited state and national debate—as well as discussions within CSBA—about the best ways to keep students safe. Members of the association’s Superintendents Advisory Council had a chance to take up the issue with State Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, when he attended the council’s meeting at CSBA’s West Sacramento offices recently. (See his video interview at youtube.com/CSBAvideo.)
Lieu is among a number of state lawmakers who have introduced school safety legislation this year. Bills under consideration run the gamut, covering everything from more secure classroom door locks to increased funding for student support services and counselors.
Lieu’s Senate Bill 49 would tighten regulations and timelines for designing and updating comprehensive school safety plans. CSBA has not yet taken a position on the bill.
CSBA Programs Officer Betsy McNeil said it’s important that schools take a comprehensive approach to keeping schools safe, one that considers ways to curb bullying and find creative alternatives to suspensions and expulsions. Keeping young people in school and off the streets is an important component of school safety, she said, as is addressing students’ social, physical and emotional needs.
See also CSBA’s Web page on School Safety.