The Illinois State Board of Education is inviting the public to help set standards for school safety. Below is the board's press release. Note that an email address at the end provides a way to share your comment if you can't attend a hearing.
School Security and Standards Task Force holding public hearings across state
Public feedback will help guide the task force’s recommendations for minimum school security standards
SPRINGFIELD – The School Security and Standards Task Force is asking community members to share their input on school safety issues during a series of public hearings to help guide its recommendations to the General Assembly, the Governor, and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Public Act 98-695created the task force withinISBEto research school security in the state and to draft minimum standards for schools to use to provide a safer learning environment for the children of Illinois. Per law, the task force must “receive reports and testimony from individuals, school district superintendents, principals, teachers, security experts, architects, engineers, and the law enforcement community” as part of its work.
Public Act 99-65 extended the task force’s deadline to Jan. 1, 2016, to submit recommendations for changes to the current law to the General Assembly and the Governor. The task force must submit recommendations for model security plan policies toISBEon or before July 1, 2016.
For more information about the task force, visitwww.isbe.net/SSSTF/default.htm.
The public hearings will take place at the following times and locations:
· Nov. 10 –6 p.m.–Lisle– Universal Technical Institute, 2611 Corporate West Drive
· Nov. 12 – 6 p.m. – Springfield – Illinois Association of School Boards office, 2921 Baker Drive
· Dec. 2 – 6 p.m. – Carterville – John A. Logan College, Building H, Room 127
Those who are unable to attend the hearings may send their thoughts and recommendations toschoolsafety@isbe.net.
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