School Safety Law Blog – Page 83 – News and Information for School Safety

Safety Law News for May 11, 2017

by Bernie James • May 11, 2017

In Indiana, the United States District Court has upheld the authority of educators to act in-loco-parentis in the school environment. The parents challenged a provision of the education code that states: “In all matters relating to the discipline and conduct of students, school corporation personnel…stand in the relation of parents to the students of the school corporation.” [Orr v. Ferebee].

In Louisiana, the Court of Appeal of Louisiana upheld the search of a student after a teacher observed what he believed to be a hand-to-hand transaction between the student and another student known to have issues with marijuana. [State in Interest of K.L.]

In Texas, the Court of Appeals of Texas upheld the search of a group of students by a school resource officer who was responding to an anonymous tip that marijuana use was in progress by a group of students near the school. The officer’s corroboration of its reliability established reasonable suspicion. [Matter of V.G.]

In Indiana, the Court of Appeals of Indiana ruled that the questioning of a student by a law enforcement officer at the request of an educator does not transform the questioning into a custodial interrogation if the SRO is acting to fulfill an educational purpose. [B.A. v. State].

Safety Law News for May 3, 2017

by Bernie James • May 3, 2017

In Kentucky, the Kentucky Center for School Safety released a report that compiles committed crimes in schools in the state. Less than one percent of students at public schools in Kentucky committed crimes. The number one violation for students was marijuana use.

In Delaware, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency will begin implementation of the Comprehensive School Safety Program. The program is designed to enhance public safety in all of Delaware’s public schools through emergency preparedness plans and collaboration between schools and local agencies.

In Ohio, the Georgetown Exempt Village School District will begin arming school staff with the fall semester of the 2017-2018 school year. The identities and number of the volunteer armed school staff will remain confidential.

In Ohio, the D.A.R.E. program will make its return to the Shelby City Schools after an eight-year hiatus.

Safety Law News for April 25, 2017

by Bernie James • April 25, 2017

In Minnesota, officials in the Savage Public Schools are revising their school safety plan. The new plan eliminates all officers with a new administrative position called the dean of students. The superintendent believes “ultimately, the focus of a School Resource Officer is law enforcement, while a dean of students is focused on engaging students, parents and families.” Police will be called as needed in the future.

In Arizona, Scottsdale Schools are utilizing a proactive, non-punitive approach to student discipline that tracks student misconduct referrals to identify problem behavior and teach social skills. The program is called Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) and is used on each campus to combat bullying and harassment.

In Oregon, a recent investigation disclosed that two-thirds of schools in the Portland Public Schools lack up-to-date alarm systems, complete fire sensor coverage or other life-saving equipment required by fire and rescue standards.

Safety Law News for April 18, 2017

by Bernie James • April 18, 2017

In Massachusetts, the Springfield Public Schools have combined restorative justice principles with the “triad” concept of school-based policing to reduce arrests and suspensions. Arrests have declined 70 percent over a five-year period. Suspensions — in school and out of school — have decreased by 44 percent over the same period.

In Ohio, the Indian Valley Board of Education gave unanimous approval to a new weapons policy permitting qualifying staff members to possess firearms on school premises. The schools in the district have identified staff members who will undergo training.

In Pennsylvania, the Senate Education Committee will soon vote on Senate Bill 383 that would allow school personnel to carry loaded weapons in public schools. Under the provisions of the legislation, each school district has discretion to allow employees who have a concealed-carry permit and appropriate training to have access to firearms.

In Massachusetts, officials in Hingham utilized a unique approach to revising the school safety Memorandum of Understanding between the police and the school district. There were several public sessions to discuss the MOU and to solicit input. The officials worked on the MOU revisions for more than a year.

Safety Law News for April 13, 2017

by Bernie James • April 13, 2017

In North Carolina, House Bill 612 would authorize local schools boards to offer a comprehensive firearm education course as a high school elective. The course would be developed by the State Board of Education and would incorporate gun safety education as recommended by law enforcement agencies or a firearms association.

In Virginia, the Fairfax County Public School District is installing the ScholarChip’s Visitor Management System in its elementary, middle and high schools. When a visitor, vendor, or volunteer comes to a school, their drivers’ license is scanned. An integrated national database is searched, and if the person is approved, they are issued a nametag for entry to the school.

In Washington State, the Peninsula School District is partnering with the local YMCA to implement a “Safety Around Water” program. The program will serve all eight elementary schools and includes four 45-minute lessons focused on lifesaving swimming skills.

In Indiana, school officials at the Peru Community Schools are taking steps to create their own in-house school police department to protect the district’s five school campuses. The Superintendent says that the goal for creating a school police department is to ensure students are receiving the best protection possible and feel safe at school.

Safety Law News for April 10, 2017

by Bernie James • April 10, 2017

In Tennessee, the director of Murfreesboro City Schools has asked the Murfreesboro City Council to expand the school resource officer program. Dr. Linda Gilbert says, “we would love to have one in every school…we have found them absolutely invaluable to our students. They develop relationships with our teachers and with our children that just can’t be replaced.”

In New Jersey, the Bloomfield School District will participate in New Jersey Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS). SRTS authorizes the creation of safer routes to and from school by identifying problem areas and proposing solutions. It serves as a basis for funding SRTS projects with Federal Highway Administration funding.

In Ohio, officials in the West Liberty-Salem Local School District are installing a fully opening escape window in each classroom, switching door locks and considering implementing a SRO program in the wake of a shooting that injured a student there.

In Louisiana, the Pointe Coupee Parish School District is reassessing its policy on cellphone restrictions for students. Almost 20 percent of the disciplinary referrals teachers have written this year at the parish’s lone high school had to do with cellphone violations.

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