The House Study Committee on School Security will hold its third meeting today, as it prepares its recommendations for the upcoming legislative session.
This nine-member study committee was established by House Resolution 1414 and is tasked with examining ways to curb incidences of violence, facilitate life-saving responses and provide safer learning environments for Georgia’s students, teachers and other school personnel. The study committee is also looking at the conditions, needs and issues associated with school security and will recommend any action or legislation it feels necessary based on its findings.
The Senate also appointed a school safety committee, which recently adopted their findings and recommendations — ahead of their December 1 deadline.
Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), who introduced House Resolution 1414 establishing the House Study Committee on School Security, is serving as chair. Also serving on the committee are:
* Rep. Mandi Ballinger – Vice Chair (R-Canton)
* Rep. Tommy Benton (R-Jefferson)
* Rep. Heath Clark (R-Warner Robins)
* Rep. Katie Dempsey (R-Rome)
* Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee)
* Rep. Randy Nix (R-LaGrange)
* Rep. Brian Prince (D-Augusta)
* Rep. Valencia Stovall (D-Forest Park)
In introducing the legislation last March, Jasperse said, “In the wake of one of the deadliest school shootings in recent history, it is absolutely critical that we study ways to improve security and safety in Georgia schools. I hope that by establishing this study committee, we will be able to explore practical ways to make our classrooms safer for every student, teacher and school staff member across our state.”
The Senate study committee on school safety, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) recently made its recommendations public. The report focused on three main areas in the final report: crisis prevention, physical security of building, facilities and buses, and emergency response.
In his report, Sen. Albers stressed the importance of placing a strong priority on the mental health of Georgia’s students, and especially on those who show signs of instability or potential danger to themselves or their peers.
“We have a crisis that is not being adequately addressed in schools today,” Albers said. “The Committee has repeatedly been presented with testimony revealing that counselors currently working in Georgia’s schools are often relied upon to provide career and class counseling to students, as well as mental health counseling. Many of these counselors are overwhelmed by the dual responsibilities expected of them.”
