MCPS announces plan to establish three committees to review school safety topics

Missoula County Public Schools announced today that it will convene three committees to address school safety concerns that have been identified after the school shooting in Connecticut on Dec. 14.

Superintendent Alex Apostle had announced in the week following the school shooting that the District, with the involvement of St. Patrick Hospital President Jeff Fee and Missoula Police Chief Mark Muir, would convene a committee and/or task force to review school safety policies and procedures. In light of the Connecticut shooting, Apostle said it would be prudent for MCPS to review its emergency response plans to ensure that it provides the safest learning environment possible for students and staff.

Apostle said discussions with Fee and Muir in early January helped identify three areas that they would like to see special committees review and analyze to identify recommendations for improvement. The three areas are mental health services for students and families; facilities safety and design; and emergency response plans with public safety agencies.

Apostle said the Mental Health Services Committee will review existing policies and services, and make recommendations for more effective mental health services for students and families. The Facilities Security Committee will review buildings’ safety in regard to physical design and identify recommended improvements. The Public Safety Committee will review emergency response plans with local police, fire services and other emergency personnel, and make recommendations for improvements or additional collaborations.

Apostle will work with Fee and Muir to determine the membership of each committee. He said the District has heard from several parents and community members who wish to be involved in the review. While not everyone who has come forward will be able to serve directly on a committee, he said the review process will include an opportunity for all interested parents and community members to provide input into any recommendations.

"I know that this work is extremely important to our staff and parents, and they want to contribute. The Newtown school shooting reminded us of how essential it is to prepare for a variety of emergency situations. It also presents an opportunity to review programs that support unique needs of students and families, especially in the area of mental health," Apostle said. "We will work hard to make sure that everyone who wants to be involved has an opportunity to do so.

Apostle anticipates that each committee will meet for the first time before the end of January, and periodically through May. The three committees will come together at the conclusion of the school year to present their recommendations to the community and Board of Trustees.

Apostle stressed that each MCPS school building completes several emergency drills each year. In addition, District administrators hold exercises annually with local police, which provides an opportunity for on-going review of safety plans and procedures.

For additional information, contact Apostle at 728-2400, ext. 1026.

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Lesli Brassfield, MPA

Director of Public Affairs

Missoula County Public Schools

[email protected]

Phone: 728-2400, ext. 1024

Fax: 406-542-4009

http://www.mcps.k12.mt.us

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