School Safety Agenda Unveiled

HARRISBURG – School superintendents, safety experts and state and local police officers will testify before two Senate committees about what it takes to keep students safe on school grounds.

The hearing will be held on Feb. 13 in Harrisburg before the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), and the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-48).

“While Columbine, Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech and Nickel Mines are still vivid and painful memories, this hearing will explore far more than preventing armed intruders and mass shootings on school property,” said Baker.  “Fighting, bullying, and other abuses are far more frequent and we need to search for more effective solutions.”

Among the legislation expected to be addressed is a proposal by Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-25) to give grants for school safety and violence prevention.

“There is no one-size-fits-all answer,” Baker added.  “We can learn a lot by listening to what is already being done and what the suggestions are for improvements.”

The hearing agenda (attached) includes Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis, State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan, highly trained crisis response team members, school board members and teachers.

Contact: Jennifer Wilson
(570) 675-3931

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