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Last updated on Wednesday, August 14, 2013
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Governor Mike Pence today received the findings of the school safety study group regarding improved school safety efforts in Indiana.
"The safety and security of schools in Indiana remains a top priority for our administration," said Governor Pence. "As we begin a new school year, I am grateful to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, our state agencies and local law enforcement and mental health professionals for their leadership in helping Indiana's agencies, schools, law enforcement personnel, and organizations work collaboratively and cohesively for the good of all students. In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to work and pray for a safe and successful school year for Hoosiers across the state."
The report recommends the State centralize, house and maintain pertinent information such as best practices, legislative updates, resource links and training opportunities in a multidisciplinary website dedicated to school safety.
In an effort to provide thorough preparedness and response training, it suggests that seminars or exercises related to student safety or school security that are carried out by an agency or division be made available to all entities or individuals who regularly and directly interact with schools and Hoosier students.
In addition, the Department of Child Services, Department of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Department of Correction will continue to strive toward developing a process to aid in the seamless transition for Hoosiers among agencies and service providers, as well as a parental consent form to release all pertinent information to schools.
The group endorsed the final report and accepted a report from the Department of Homeland Security on SEA 1, the Secured School Safety Grant Program passed earlier this year. The group also accepted the Safe School Active Shooter Training Overview from the Indiana State Police.
Pence serves as chair of the school safety study group. Additional members include Glenda Ritz (Department of Education), John Hill (Department of Homeland Security), Doug Carter (Indiana State Police), Mary Allen (Indiana Criminal Justice Institute), Bruce Lemmon (Department of Correction), Marty Umbarger (Indiana National Guard), Kevin Moore (Department of Mental Health & Addictions), Mary Beth Bonaventura (Department of Child Services), Chris Atkins (Office of Management and Budget), Jeff Cardwell (Office of Faith and Community Based Initiatives), Larry John (East Central Educational Services), Ben Hunter (Butler University), Steve Luce (Indiana Sheriffs Association), and Michael Ward (Indiana Chiefs of Police Association).
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