Calvert County has established a new Student Safety and Well-being Advisory Committee to address concerns about school safety and student welfare. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appointed 15 voting members to serve on the committee, which will provide recommendations to ensure the safety and security of students and staff in county schools.
The committee’s formation comes in response to increased reports of violence and harmful behaviors in local schools. It aims to facilitate collaboration between community members and government agencies to implement effective solutions.
Dana Jones will chair the committee, which includes representatives from each of the county’s three districts, law enforcement agencies, educational associations, and professionals in mental health and substance abuse treatment.
District 1 will be represented by Guy Stephens and Leslie Irvin, while Brandon Temple and Debora Harris will represent District 2. Marcus Newsome and Sinetra Bowdry will serve as District 3 representatives.
The Calvert Education Association and the Calvert Association of Educational Support Staff will be represented by Jason Oates and Kadesha Pleger, respectively.
Law enforcement representatives include 1st Sgt. Vincent O’Donnell and Cpl. Nick DeFelice from the Sheriff’s Office, and Sgt. Kemery Hunt from the Maryland State Police.
Katelyn Liptak will serve as the Mental Health and Well-being Professional Representative, while Denise Dickerson will represent substance abuse treatment professionals. Joseph Pignataro will represent the Maryland Center for School Safety.
The committee will also include several non-voting members: Deputy County Administrator Linda Turner, Community Resources Director Jennifer Moreland, Communications & Media Relations Director Eryn Lowe, and Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools Dr. Andraé Townsel.
The BOCC directed the creation of the committee on May 7, 2024, and adopted a resolution outlining its structure and duties on May 29. The committee will serve in an advisory capacity to the BOCC and is tasked with seeking community and expert input to develop recommendations for improving student safety and well-being.
Committee members will serve voluntarily without compensation. They will coordinate through the Office of the County Administrator for staff support as needed.
The selection process for committee members was rigorous. The county accepted applications from the general public through early June to represent each of the three commissioner districts. A total of 42 applications were received, evaluated, and rated. Applicants were interviewed by a panel comprising representatives from the Office of the County Administrator, Department of Community Resources, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, and Calvert County Public Schools.
This initiative demonstrates Calvert County’s commitment to addressing safety concerns in its schools through a collaborative approach, bringing together diverse perspectives from the community, education sector, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.
As the committee begins its work, residents of Calvert County can expect to see increased focus on student safety and well-being in the coming months. The recommendations produced by this committee could potentially shape policies and practices in local schools, aiming to create a safer and more supportive environment for students and staff alike.
The formation of this committee reflects a proactive stance by county officials in addressing community concerns about school safety. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the county aims to develop comprehensive strategies that consider various aspects of student safety and well-being.
As the committee moves forward with its mission, it will likely engage in a range of activities, including reviewing current safety protocols, analyzing data on school incidents, and considering best practices from other jurisdictions. The input from mental health and substance abuse professionals on the committee may also lead to recommendations for improved support services for students.
The success of this initiative will depend on the committee’s ability to effectively collaborate and translate their diverse expertise into actionable recommendations. The community will be watching closely to see how these efforts translate into tangible improvements in school safety and student well-being across Calvert County.
