APPROVED May 25, 2023 Schools Safety Task Force Meeting Summary

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4 consider or adopt anything related to "disruption" based on potential overreach, or the appearance of overreach. Co-Chair Hamilton moved the group on to Question #3 — Are there ways that we can improve the safety of public school students and staff from external threats? Task Force member Sredzienski referenced the need to develop common language. Task Force member Simmons shared that law enforcement utilizes codes to refer to events, and that different jurisdictions use different codes for the same type of event. He noted a code conflict between law enforcement and the National Guard at an airport after the September 11, 2001 attacks and the need for more common language. Task Force member Kate O'Boyle commented that everyone might should use common terms like "bomb threat" as opposed to potentially conflicting codes. Co-Chair Hamilton then referred to Question #4 —Are there any recommendations to the BOCC for changes in policies or practices? Task Force member Simmons responded that, if he had to answer now, he did not see anything from his perspective to recommend. Co-Chair Hamilton commented that a potential idea might be to convene an annual meeting of some type just to provide the opportunity for discussion and assessment of the current status. Task Force member Stewart shared that creating common communication capabilities in all school buildings was effective to enhance school safety. He noted that the need to think about and address social and emotional concerns and mental health issues was also a significant area to address. Co-Chair Hamilton noted that the Board of Commissioners was well aware of the mental health concerns throughout the County and schools and that a majority of County funding was going to the schools and for services to those in need. Task Force member Simmons shared that all four law enforcement agencies in the County had social workers joining their staffs. While law enforcement officers could direct people to resources, the social workers would actually be able to help. Co-Chair Hamilton reiterated to possibility of an annual community-wide discussion, perhaps a "summit" that involved the Board of Commissioners and other stakeholders. Task Force member Simmons responded that once a year could be a good thing, and maybe more often if necessary. It was noted that quarterly meetings were already occurring involving school staffs, law enforcement, emergency management and other stakeholders. Task Force member Stewart shared that school staff thought about safety all day/every day for all school activities, and that a meeting semi-annually or other schedule might be worthwhile as long as the timing was considered to avoid activities like budget season and end of the school year.