Safety Law News for October 30, 2020

— In Illinois, the Elgin City Council approved a resolution to continue funding the Elgin Area School District U-46 school resource officer program. The $1.1 million agreement, the cost of which is split by the school district and the city, was approved by a vote of 7-2.

— In Maryland, a recent Maryland State Education Association poll showed that 90% of Maryland educators do not think that schools will be able to reopen safely for full in-person learning for the next few months.  According to the educators, there needs to be daily sanitation of schools, adequate air ventilation and procedures for anyone who tests positive for COVID-1, including contact-tracing.  Here for Poll.

— In Maryland, Montgomery County high school principals “unanimously” support keeping police in schools, according to district officials.  All 25 administrators who have full-time resource officers on their campuses agree that the officers are beneficial and that the program should not be disbanded.

— In Ohio, the New Richmond Exempted Village School District has launched an anti-bullying mobile app, available to students, families and staff.  The mobile app is called “Stay Safe, Speak Up.”  students, families and staff can report safety concerns any time of day. They can also access educational resources on topics such as student bullying, safety, and mental health crises, from depression and suicide to dating violence and gang awareness.