Columbus, Ohio—As students make their way back into classrooms this month, Ohio governor Mike DeWine (R) is signing an executive order to help this school year be a safe one.
- The order creates a specialized division of the Ohio Homeland Security devoted exclusively to school safety
- Ohio School Safety Center will monitor online activity and a statewide tip line will be set up
- Full-time staff will analyze school safety plans and provide yearly reports
“Certainly, schools should be a safe haven where children can learn without fear,” said DeWine.
The order creates a specialized division of the Ohio Homeland Security devoted exclusively to school safety.
It’s a move many states are making in the wake of a slew of school shootings.
Several of those have been right here in Ohio, including a 2012 shooting at Chardon High School, a 2016 shooting at Madison High School, and a 2017 shooting at West Liberty-Salem.
DeWine says the goal is to stop violence before it happens.
He says the first step to that is monitoring online activity.
“Intelligence analysts at the Ohio School Safety Center will scan social media and websites looking for threats aimed at our schools,” said DeWine.
The order also creates a statewide tip line, at 844-SAFEROH.
He says anyone can call in anonymously and report threats or concerning behavior in school.
While some schools already have established tip lines, he says this will serve as an additional resource.
“We will now be better able to understand the landscape of school safety, identify any needs or gaps, and use tailored approaches to address issues, or enhance current programs,” said Tom Stickrath, director, Ohio Department of Public Safety.
The governor says he’ll be employing several full-time staff to tackle the challenge.
They’ll be expected to analyze school safety plans, and provide yearly reports.
It’s unclear what the price tag of this program will be, but the governor indicated some of the $12 million allocated for school grants may help pay for it.
