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2000 SESSION

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HB 391 Virginia Center for School Safety; created.

Introduced by: Phillip A. Hamilton | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Virginia Center for School Safety. Establishes, from such funds as may be appropriated, the Virginia Center for School Safety within the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The Center is to (i) provide training for Virginia public school personnel in school safety and the effective identification of students who may be at-risk for violent behavior and in need of special services or assistance; (ii) serve as a resource and referral center for Virginia school divisions by conducting research, sponsoring workshops, and providing information regarding current school safety concerns; (iii) maintain and disseminate information to local school divisions on effective school safety initiatives in Virginia and across the nation; (iv) collect, analyze, and disseminate various school safety data, including school safety audit information, collected by the Department; (v) encourage the development of partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote school safety in Virginia; (vi) provide technical assistance to Virginia school divisions in the implementation of initiatives promoting school safety; and (vii) develop a memorandum of understanding between the Commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to ensure collaboration in areas of mutual concern, such as school safety audits and crime prevention. The bill will not become effective unless an appropriation effectuating the purpose of the bill is included in the 2000 appropriation act enacted into law by the Governor.

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Virginia Center for School Safety. Establishes, from such funds as may be appropriated, the Virginia Center for School Safety within the Department of Education. The Center is to (i) provide training for Virginia public school personnel in school safety and the effective identification of students who may be at-risk for violent behavior and in need of special services or assistance; (ii) serve as a resource and referral center for Virginia school divisions by conducting research, sponsoring workshops, and providing information regarding current school safety concerns; (iii) maintain and disseminate information to local school divisions on effective school safety initiatives in Virginia and across the nation; (iv) collect, analyze, and disseminate various school safety data, including school safety audit information, collected by the Department; (v) encourage the development of partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote school safety in Virginia; (vi) provide technical assistance to Virginia school divisions in the implementation of initiatives promoting school safety; and (vii) develop a memorandum of understanding between the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Commissioner of the Department of Criminal Justice Services to ensure collaboration in areas of mutual concern, such as school safety audits and crime prevention.

The Board is authorized to apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources to enable the Center to carry out its objectives; employ an executive director; and do all acts and things "necessary or convenient" to carry out its powers.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Virginia Center for School Safety. Establishes, from such funds as may be appropriated, the Virginia Center for School Safety, governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees to be appointed by the Governor. The Center is to (i) provide training for Virginia public school personnel in school safety and the effective identification of students who may be at-risk for violent behavior and in need of special services or assistance; (ii) serve as a resource and referral center for Virginia school divisions by conducting research, sponsoring workshops, and providing information regarding current school safety concerns; (iii) maintain and disseminate information to local school divisions on effective school safety initiatives in Virginia and across the nation; (iv) coordinate with the Department of Education and Virginia institutions of higher education to collate and analyze various Virginia school safety data; (v) encourage the development of partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote school safety in Virginia; and (vi) provide technical assistance to Virginia school divisions in the implementation of initiatives promoting school safety.

The Board is authorized to apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources to enable the Center to carry out its objectives; employ an executive director; and do all acts and things "necessary or convenient" to carry out its powers.