The Wisconsin Department of Justice is trying to do more to keep kids safe in schools. They released the second edition of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework Monday at the Green Bay Area School District Office. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Wisconsin Department of Justice is trying to do more to keep kids safe in schools. They released the second edition of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework Monday at the Green Bay Area School District Office.
The Office of School Safety wants every student in Wisconsin to be able to focus on schoolwork and stay safe.
“We know that school safety is complex. There’s no one-size fits all approach to ensuring that our students, educators and wider school communities are safe. What works in the Green Bay Area School District might be different from what works in a different district,” Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said.
That includes conducting safety assessments, creating plans, and implementing “speak up, speak out.” The plan also creates a management team that would intervene when a student may pose a threat, help destigmatize mental health concerns and implement resources to reduce trauma after a crisis.
“We hope that this framework will continue to be an invaluable guide to schools, and I encourage school safety leaders all over the state to use this resource as they work to keep their schools safe,” Kaul said.
Kaul said the framework was not inspired by the Dec. 16, 2024 Madison school shooting. That incident was used as a learning experience. At Green Bay Area Public Schools, leaders say they’re using this to review their plan and will make adjustments, if necessary.
“On a day to day basis, we just continue to reinforce and remind our administrators and staff how important it is for school safety and how important they all play that role in it,” GBAPS Safety and Security Manager Chris Collar said.
Green Bay Police Department’s School Resource Officers also work to ensure safe practices are up to date.
“Many of the threats that we investigate are poor attempts at humor or expressions of anger or frustration, with no real plan for follow through. However, we take each and every one of these threats seriously,” Green Bay Police Lt. Tom Denney said.
Funding for the office of school safety goes through September. They’re asking for $2.3M from the state, to continue their work.
That money would fund the office of school safety for two additional years. Governor Evers is expected to put out his proposed state budget next week.
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