Rep. Melanie Stambaugh appointed to School Safety Summit
Rep. Melanie Stambaugh, R-Puyallup, has been appointed to the 2016 School Safety Summit by House Speaker Frank Chopp. Per Senate Bill 6620, which became law earlier this year, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the School Safety Advisory Committee must hold annual school safety summits.
Each annual summit will focus on establishing and monitoring the progress of a statewide plan for funding cost-effective methods for school safety. Other areas of focus may include school safety planning efforts, training of school safety professionals, and integrating mental health and security measures.
Stambaugh serves as an assistant ranking member on the House Education Committee, and introduced school safety legislation during the 2015 legislative session.
“Our students should be able to learn in an environment free of crime and violence,” said Stambaugh. “I look forward to collaborating with emergency management experts, crime-prevention practitioners, fellow policymakers, parents, educators and students to enhance safety and security in our schools. We have the opportunity to expand strategies that are working well and identify improvements so school districts are prepared for all potential emergencies.”
Senate Bill 6620 stipulates summit members are to be comprised of two members of the majority and minority parties in the House and Senate, as well as one representative appointed by the governor. Other summit participants may include representatives from OSPI, the Department of Health, Educational Service Districts, educational associations, emergency management, law enforcement, fire departments, and parent and student organizations.