Livingston Today

State Representative Ann Bollin, a Republican from Brighton Township, has urged the Speaker of the House to advance a comprehensive bipartisan school safety plan that was introduced a year ago. This legislation was the result of a bipartisan task force created by the House of Representatives following the Oxford school shooting in 2021. The task force diligently reviewed input from various experts, including law enforcement officers, educators, mental health professionals, and parents, and issued its recommendations in December 2022. However, since the bills were introduced on February 14, 2023, they have seen no movement.

Bollin expressed her concern, stating, "A solid plan to improve school safety and mental health for Michigan students was introduced a year ago, and it has yet to receive a hearing – that’s deeply concerning." She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of school children, stating, "Ensuring the safety of our school children should be an unquestionable priority. Parents shouldn’t have to bear the weight of worry every time they send their kids to school. It’s time to prioritize our children’s safety and well-being above all else."

The proposed legislation, House Bills 4088-4100, aims to address the recommendations of the task force, presenting a comprehensive approach to school safety. It focuses on areas such as communication, training, personnel, and more. Some of the key provisions of the plan include dedicating school staff to student safety, requiring schools to review and update their safety plans every three years, and expanding and improving the OK2SAY confidential tip line.

Under the proposed plan, each intermediate school district would receive funding to hire a safety and security coordinator who would serve as a point of contact for school safety plans, grant opportunities, and security strategies. These coordinators would facilitate communication between the state and school districts, as well as among other districts in their region.

The plan also calls for regular review and updating of safety plans by schools in consultation with their ISD-level safety coordinator. Statewide standards would guide the implementation of modern security measures in school buildings.

To enhance reporting and response to safety concerns, the plan suggests placing contact information for the OK2SAY confidential tip line on school ID cards. Reports and tips received through OK2SAY would be shared with the ISD coordinators and local law enforcement. Additionally, the plan proposes improving the training of school resource officers and all staff at Michigan schools and creating uniform definitions for school safety terms statewide.

Rep. Bollin also emphasized the need to protect colleges and other locations, stating, "All students, regardless of their level or school, deserve to have a safe learning environment." She called on the Legislature to explore additional ways to ensure the safety of students beyond K-12 schools.

In conclusion, Rep. Bollin's call for action on the bipartisan school safety legislation highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of Michigan students. The proposed plan, based on the recommendations of a bipartisan task force, aims to improve school safety through measures such as dedicated staff, regular safety plan reviews, enhanced reporting systems, and improved crisis responses. It is now up to the Speaker of the House and the Legislature to advance this legislation and ensure that every dollar spent on school safety initiatives directly translates into tangible improvements for the well-being of Michigan's children.