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Last updated on Tuesday, July 3, 2018
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Following the recent shooting at Noblesville West Middle School, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly today urged Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to engage stakeholders in efforts to improve school safety.
In a letter to Secretary DeVos, Donnelly relayed concerns from Indiana State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick, school resource officers in Indiana, and Hoosier students, parents, and teachers. These concerns include a critical need for social and emotional support programs that help address students' mental and behavioral health needs, and the necessity to better identify children prone to violence.
Donnelly said, in part, in his letter, "In order to adequately respond to these challenges, it is essential that we listen closely to those who work and learn in our schools and classrooms every day. As Chair of the Federal Commission on School Safety, you have an important opportunity to bring these stakeholders together. As the Commission works to address this issue, I urge you to ensure that it operates in a transparent manner and that these stakeholders, including students, teachers, principals, superintendents, parents, and mental health professionals, are fully engaged in the process. I know many Hoosiers are eager to improve school safety and contribute to productive discussions."
Earlier this year, Donnelly supported legislation that will provide grants to school systems for increased safety measures, which was included in the bipartisan budget bill that was signed into law. Donnelly also urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to support increased funding for Title IV Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which schools can use for counseling services, mental health, and school safety measures.
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