A House Study Committee on School Security plans to prepare its final recommendations for Speaker David Ralston by December 6, following its third and final meeting Thursday morning.
“We knew going in that this would be a complex task,” said Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), who chaired the nine-member study committee. “We have heard a lot of testimony on what folks think we need to do to keep our schools safe. I am impressed about how seriously our school systems have taken this issue. Governor-Elect Kemp and Lt. Governor-Elect Duncan, along with Speaker Ralston, know this is an important issue, and all will be working on it in 2019.”
Jasperse, who introduced House Resolution 1414 establishing the Study Committee on School Security, said he would like to look into the possibility of allowing ESPLOST funds to be used for costs related to school security– such as hiring more school resource officers and mental health counselors, increasing PBIS in the school, or additional training.
He also said he felt this should be a “Governor-led statewide initiative.”
This study committee was 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 has also been 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.
Jasperse presented his initial thoughts and recommendations, and asked the other members of the committee to add their recommendations by December 6. The final report will also be made public once the report is given to Ralston, he added.
The Georgia Senate also appointed a school safety committee, which recently adopted their findings and recommendations. That committee, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) 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.
