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Virginia's House Select Committee on School Safety backs 24 specific recommendations


A Virginia House Select Committee on School Safety is expected to present 24 specific recommendations next month as Virginia's General Assembly gets underway. (WCYB){p}{/p}
A Virginia House Select Committee on School Safety is expected to present 24 specific recommendations next month as Virginia's General Assembly gets underway. (WCYB)

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A Virginia House Select Committee on School Safety is expected to present 24 specific recommendations next month as Virginia's General Assembly gets underway.

It is Virginia's first select committee in more than 150 years. We are learning what solutions are coming from the designated meetings.

More than two-dozen lawmakers have spent their time leading up to the next General Assembly session researching the best safety practices for protecting school children.

"Any time you can be prepared ahead of time, it's far better than being reactionary after the fact," Delegate Israel O'Quinn said.

Delegate Israel O'Quinn was one of 12 Republicans on the committee. They worked with 10 Democrats across the aisle to come up with hundreds of recommendations. That list has been narrowed down to 24 key principles.

"Number one on that list is something that we've all been pushing for very hard from the get-go, which is more school resource officers," O'Quinn said.

The recommendations include increased funding for 44 new SRO positions decreasing the current need by half.

The General Assembly will also consider hiring retired law enforcement for school security without affecting retirement benefits.

O'Quinn said, "Shootings are the worst-case scenario, but oftentimes you have domestic situations that boil over into the school building. School resource officers are the best way to mitigate any and all issues."

Law enforcement is keeping a close eye on the possibilities. Norton Police just staffed both city schools with SRO personnel through federal criminal justice grants.

"I feel it's crucial to have them there. Not only do you have an officer available on scene if anything happens or is needed, but also I think it's a sense of security for the students and the staff." Lane said.

Norton Elementary and Middle School’s new SRO is just funded for one year.

The police department is looking for more grants to continue their assignments.

Lawmakers on the state committee are also looking into the role of school counselors.

O'Quinn said, "School counselors have been roped into doing a whole lot of other things other than counseling over the years, so looking at the potential of revamping that role to be more of an actual counselor."

The recommendation includes providing direct student services including emotional, behavior, career, and life counseling.

Other recommendations from the committee include mental health resources, campus infrastructure, and training.

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