Md.— Two years after its founding, the Student Safety and Wellbeing Advisory Committee (SSWAC) for Calvert County Public Schools presented a report to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to explain its findings and make recommendations for schools
SSWAC’s mission is to examine the current climate of the school district, listen to feedback from staff, students and parents, and help create policies and culture that improve safety and well-being in schools. The organization also sought information from subject matter experts
Since October 2024, the group says it has held 20 public meetings, received 10 presentations from CCPS leadership, community partners and subject matter experts, reviewed school safety and student well-being data, gathered community input through a countywide survey, and conducted a student focus group, resulting in 14 recommendations it has now submitted to the BOCC in its draft final report
The recommendations are split into five categories
- Develop Comprehensive Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Implementation Plan
- Establish Designated Wellness Spaces
- Strengthen School-Based Mental Health Staffing
- Strengthen Staff Mental Health Communication
Student Behavior and School Climate
- Establish Clear Bullying Response Policy
- Implement Districtwide Bullying Prevention Program
- Review and Revise Student Code of Conduct
- Strengthen Tiered Attendance Interventions
Staff Preparedness & Capacity
- Strengthen Threat Assessment Awareness
- Implement Tiered De-Escalation and Crisis Training
- Address Identified Staffing Gaps
Communication & Community Engagement
- Strengthen Districtwide Communications
- Develop Centralized Resources Hub and Create Student Decision Flowchart
Facilities, Technology & Security
- Strengthen School Safety Infrastructure, Technology and Facilities Planning
Once the BOCC receives the final report, the commissioners can provide direction and vote on next steps, allowing SSWAC to present its report to additional agencies and boards. Then, the school district will work with local government and community organizations on feasibility, priorities and implementation opportunities for the recommendations
See the full draft report and presentation online
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