In Ohio, the United States District Court upheld the policy of a school district to interrupt speakers at school board meetings that were “personally directed,” “antagonistic” or “abusive.” The court ruled that school board meetings were a limited public forum for discussion of subjects relating to the operation of the schools. The school policy was reasonable in light of the purpose served by school board meetings. [Billy Ison v. Madison Local School Board]
— In Missouri, the Willard R-II School District is taking steps to create its own police department. School officials believe that replacing officers from the Springfield Police Department will also allow their internal officers to be specifically trained on school policy and understand student life a little better.
— In Indiana, the Muncie Community Schools have been awarded $600,000 in state and federal grants to upgrade security. The grant will fund the a campus video surveillance system of 482 new cameras to be installed throughout school facilities.
— In Nebraska, school resource officers for the Omaha Public Schools are learning “How To Speak Gen Z,” as a critical part of their de-escalation training. The goal is to improve communication with students as a means to avoid conflict and use of force in schools.