Pontiac Times

State Rep. Donni Steele is urging the state House to consider a bipartisan school safety plan that was introduced a year ago. The plan was developed by the Bipartisan School Safety Task Force, which was formed by House Republican leadership in response to the Oxford High School shooting. The task force conducted extensive research and received input from professionals in law enforcement, education, and mental health before publishing its report in December 2022.

"In a time when political divides keep deepening, the House needs something for everyone to agree on; I’m confident this school safety legislation is that something," said Rep. Steele. "The best way to prevent these horrific events from repeating themselves is to bind together and pass school safety bills. Our kids and communities depend on it."

The school safety package, known as House Bills 4088-4100, aims to address various issues identified by the task force. These issues include the lack of communication between law enforcement and schools, insufficient focus on mental health, and inconsistent terminology that hinders effective communication among first responders.

One of the key provisions of the plan is the establishment of the School Safety and Mental Health Commission. This commission would identify best practices for schools to address behavioral, physical, and mental health needs. It would also support at-risk students and work towards reducing youth suicides by implementing a comprehensive statewide approach.

The plan also includes the dedication of school staff to student safety and mental health. Each intermediate school district would receive funding to hire a safety and security coordinator as well as a mental health coordinator. These staff members would serve as points of contact for school safety plans, grant opportunities, and mental health and security strategies.

Additionally, the plan emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing and updating school safety plans. Schools would be required to do so every three years in consultation with their designated safety coordinator. Statewide standards would guide the implementation of modern security measures in school buildings.

The expansion and improvement of the OK2SAY program is another crucial aspect of the plan. The OK2SAY confidential tip line, which allows students to report concerns anonymously, would be easily accessible through school ID cards. The tips received would be passed on to the designated coordinators and local law enforcement. Higher standards and new reporting definitions for OK2SAY would also be adopted.

Furthermore, the plan aims to enhance responses to school safety crises. It proposes comprehensive school safety and security training for school resource officers and all staff at Michigan schools. Uniform definitions for school safety terms would be implemented statewide to improve communication during crisis events. The plan also calls for more active-shooter drills, with the involvement of local law enforcement, to ensure preparedness.

Rep. Steele's call for bipartisan support for the school safety package highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of students. The plan's comprehensive approach, informed by professionals in various fields, seeks to address the identified issues and ensure a unified and effective response to school safety concerns.