Circleville, Ohio – February 27, 2024 – The Fairfield County Educational Service Center (ESC) has collaborated with local law enforcement, courts, and mental health professionals to establish a county-wide School Threat Assessment and Response program. This initiative aims to prevent school violence and create a safer learning environment for students.
The program, enacted on January 23rd, 2024, prioritizes proactive measures by assessing potential threats and determining their severity. This allows for early intervention and prevents issues from escalating.
Key features of the program include:
- County-wide implementation: This meets the state of Ohio’s mandate for schools to have a response plan in place.
- Adaptability: The program accommodates the diverse needs of each school district within the county.
- Collaboration: The program involves law enforcement, mental health agencies, the Fairfield County Prosecutor’s office, and local schools.
- Prevention: Low-level threats will be managed by individual schools using tailored responses.
“This program is an investment in the safety of our students and educators,” said Will Kirby, Assistant Superintendent of Fairfield County ESC. “By proactively addressing threats and supporting students, we are creating a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive.”
The Fairfield County Educational Service Center provides leadership and support to the eight local school districts in the county.
