The following is a column submitted by Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City:
Every school in Iowa should have a plan in case of a natural disaster, medical emergency, bomb threat and other unexpected problems. That’s why the Senate Education Committee passed a bill requiring schools to establish security plans.
SF 2253 requires Iowa’s local school boards to develop security plans for each of their buildings by June 30, 2019. Plans must include scenarios for active shooters and such natural disasters as tornadoes and floods.
Currently, 33 states specifically require comprehensive school safety or emergency plans.
In preparing the plans, school officials must consider recommendations from the Iowa Department of Education and consult with local law enforcement and emergency management.
As part of a national grant, the Department of Education has developed resources to assist public school districts and non-public schools in putting together emergency plans in conjunction with community partners. School staff, emergency management coordinators, first responders, and public and mental health officials are involved in the process to ensure plans reflect actual capabilities and available local resources. Plans provide an overview of the school’s approach to operations before, during and after an emergency.
With the grant, 80 to 85 percent of Iowa schools developed voluntary plans and put procedures in place between 2012 and 2015. SF 2253 would require the rest of Iowa schools to do the same. For more information, check out the Planning Resources for educators, parents and students from the Iowa Department of Education.
MASON CITY LISTENING POST
March 10 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd St SE
Mason City
Bla, Bla, Bla. Just more B.S. from the worst B.S.er in Iowa.
any ideas?
Active shooter training… all gather in the corner of the room and pray… no wait we’re in school .. no praying..
It seems pretty much all government funded entities that were suppose to prevent and/or stop this tragedy failed. So I wonder what the liberal at the state House has for a solution ? Let me guess more of what didn’t work is the answer or more money towards what didn’t work…?? Yep that’s the knee jerk don’t have to think response. If only we would have spent more money … lol
Its sad to say but the school board and the administrators of this school down in Florida were more than a little to blame – It has been reported that the school and the sheriff,s dept were in cahoots as to not write up student criminal activity therefore the school would receive more federal funds because of low criminal activity. Therefore Mr. Cruz had an unblemished criminal record as per the local officials – therefore no criminal record of any kind was ever entered on the FBI data base of fire arm sales and he purchased one easily because his criminal back ground check showed nothing . Lots of buddy buddy hush hush that turned out tragic and the root of it was more or less money. Like they say – follow the money trail. SAD.