Requiring audits of safe and secure schools plans for all school districts including staggered on-site inspections.
Impact
Under HB2278, the state department of education is directed to carry out an on-site inspection of at least 10 varied school districts each year to determine compliance with safety protocols. This annual examination is designed to create a standard of accountability among districts and promote an environment of continuous improvement in safety measures. By implementing these audits and inspections, the bill seeks to identify gaps in safety procedures that could potentially endanger students.
Summary
House Bill 2278 aims to enhance the safety and security of school buildings across the state by mandating regular audits of school districts' operations in relation to their safety protocols. Specifically, the bill requires the state department of education to perform a comprehensive audit of each district's policies and procedures for maintaining secure facilities during the 2023-2024 school year. The intention is to ensure adherence to the Kansas safe and secure schools standards set forth by the state board of education. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to safeguard students and staff in educational environments.
Contention
While the bill aims to strengthen school safety, concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of conducting such audits and inspections uniformly across diverse districts. Some stakeholders worry about the potential strain on resources, particularly for smaller districts that may lack the necessary infrastructure to comply with heightened safety and audit requirements. Additionally, discussions around the bill may highlight the balance between ensuring safety and maintaining the autonomy of local school districts in determining their unique security needs.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.
Authorizing children in the custody of the secretary of the department for children and families to attend school in any school district, requiring records for such students to be timely transferred between school districts and requiring a transportation plan if the child remains in the school of origin.
Relating to safety and security audits at a school district or public junior college district and requiring deficiencies identified in those audits to be corrected.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency, the composition of the board of directors of the Texas School Safety Center, and public school safety and security requirements and resources.
House Substitute for SB 113 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 23, FY 24 and FY 25; establishing the mental health intervention team program; authorizing certain students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association; requiring school districts to post certain enrollment and academic information on school district websites; revising school district open-enrollment procedures; authorizing local school board members to receive compensation from their school district; authorizing current-year student enrollment for determinations of state foundation aid; continuing the 20 mill statewide tax levy for schools; amending the school districts that qualify for and the amount that school districts are able to levy pursuant to the cost-of-living weighting.
Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the commissioning of peace officers by the Texas Education Agency, the composition of the board of directors of the Texas School Safety Center, and public school safety and security requirements and resources.