×
×

[PIC] Janice M. Severson, Project Coordinator for New York Safe Schools Program
Janice M. Severson, Project Coordinator for New York Safe Schools Program

Dutchess BOCES hosted the Dutchess County School Safety Advisory Committee’s 10th annual safety seminar October 17 at the Career and Technical Institute. More than 85 participants attended the workshop, which focused on various safety and legal issues.

Janice M. Severson, Project Coordinator for New York Safe Schools Program, spoke about requirements and changes to New York State Education Department regulations. She indicated the required safety plan submissions are reviewed to identify any gaps so that training can be developed to meet school districts’ needs. “We plan for emergencies to help protect our children,” she said.

Senior assistant attorneys from the Dutchess County Attorney’s Office presented modules on the Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Response and Education Program and new statutes regarding young offenders. Dutchess County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Robert Monaco reviewed procedures school districts should follow after an incident.

William Beal and James Soto, the county coordinator and regional director of emergency management, detailed a variety of exercises to help school districts test training and practice emergency plans.  The DCSSAC, Dutchess BOCES, Mid-Hudson Teacher Center, and New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal co-sponsored the seminar.