FINAL SCHOOL SAFETY LISTENING SESSION HELD IN MONTGOMERY

Tuscaloosa, AL (WVUA)-‘Safety at the Forefront.’ That was the message behind Tuesday’s fourth and final public listening session for school safety.

Jessica Harp said, “every community and every school and every child is very different that’s why like the general said there is no size fits all solution to this problem, that’s why it’s so important to have these kind of meetings and sessions and listen to everyone so we can help solve this problem together.”

President Donald Trump created the commission in March after the tragic shooting deaths of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla in February.

Governor Kay Ivey unveiled the state council’s 10 recommendations on safety but mainly focused on implementing the “school safety training and compliance teams.”

“These trained trainers will now begin this fall to conduct on-site training at each public school district at least twice annually,” said Ivey.

The trainers will be trained in: physical security of the building, threat assessment, bullying, and a big topic at the discussions, mental health.

“We’re interested in positive environments. We’re interested in how we get caring services to children and their families who need them, said Ellie McCants.

State leaders from South Carolina, Texas and Mississippi spoke on their states school safety plans in Tuesday’s discussion.

“Many of us believe the threat might come from within rather than from outside. Know where the threats might be but it would be crazy of us not to begin itemizing if you will and prioritizing.”