Spearman Announces Safe Schools Taskforce

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman announced the formation of a Safe Schools Taskforce. The task force will be comprised of educators, law enforcement officials, and parents. The group will examine best practices for student discipline as well as training for educators and law enforcement on appropriate procedures to adopt ensuring a safe school climate throughout the state. “School safety is my number one priority as State Superintendent of Education,” said Spearman. “In order for all students to be prepared for success after high school, the school environment must be one of trust, respect, and order. By bringing together all stakeholders, we want to ensure that school communities have the best resources available, the proper procedures in place, and the appropriate training,” Spearman said. The taskforce consists of the following members: Molly M. Spearman State Superintendent of Education, co-chair Tracy Young-Cooper Chair of State Board of Education, co-chair Tom Hudson South Carolina School Improvement Council James Blake Northwestern High School Joy Grayson South Carolina Parent Teacher Association Tonya Robinson South Carolina Parent Teacher Association Zona Jefferson South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators Beth Phibbs South Carolina Association of School Administrators Scott Turner Spartanburg District Five, SC Association of School Administrators Scott Price South Carolina School Boards Association Robert Gantt Richland Lexington Five, South Carolina School Boards Association Tiffany Richardson South Carolina School Boards Association Zina Harper South Carolina Association of School Resource Officers Cleveland Smith Richland School District Two Jarrod Bruder South Carolina Sheriffs‘ Association Major Roger Owens South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Craig King Palmetto State Teachers Association Bernadette Hampton South Carolina Education Association Captain E.J. Talbot, Jr. South Carolina Department of Public Safety Alan Walter Georgetown County School District Rita Yarborough South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy The taskforce conducted its first meeting on Tuesday, November 17.