PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Student Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee presented results from two community surveys at its Sept. 17, 2025, meeting, focusing on input from families, staff, students and residents about student safety, available resources and school communications. The surveys, conducted in July and September, aim to shape recommendations for Calvert County Public Schools.
The committee, known as SSWAC, held the discussion during its monthly gathering at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center in Prince Frederick. Results are now posted on the official SSWAC webpage for public review. Participation came from a cross-section of the community, including parents, teachers, support staff and volunteers, with responses kept anonymous unless individuals chose otherwise.
SSWAC formed in April 2024, appointed by the Calvert County Board of Commissioners in response to concerns raised by students, families and employees about school environments. The group includes 15 voting members drawn from the county’s three districts, with representation from educators, law enforcement, health professionals and residents. No more than three members can be current Calvert County Public Schools employees or contractors, ensuring diverse perspectives. Members serve without pay and reflect the county’s racial, gender and cultural makeup as much as possible.
The committee’s adopted mission is to enhance the safety, security and overall well-being of students and staff within Calvert County Public Schools. To fulfill this, SSWAC evaluates best practices in school safety and makes policy suggestions to address emerging threats, from physical security to mental health support. It meets monthly on the third Wednesday at 2 p.m. and hosts quarterly public listening sessions for broader input. The next session is set for Oct. 15, 2025, at the same venue.
This year’s surveys built on earlier efforts. The July survey, launched July 7 and closed July 18, targeted ideas for safer schools and better student support, covering topics like bullying, vaping, mental health services, facility conditions and communication gaps.. It drew responses on how to create inclusive learning spaces. The September survey followed a similar format, gathering fresh data to track progress.
Early analysis from prior surveys highlighted bullying and inconsistent communication as key issues. Vice Chair Leslie Irvin noted a lack of centralized resources for safety information, suggesting a single hub for updates on policies and support services. SSWAC has heard from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Health Department and school student services, informing its work. The group plans to release its first annual report soon, compiling data into actionable steps for the Board of County Commissioners and school leaders.
SSWAC operates through five subcommittees, established in January 2025, aligned with core pillars: safe and supportive environments, staff support, positive student behavior, modern facilities and resources, and family-community engagement. These groups review procedures and propose improvements, such as enhanced training for safety threats or better access to mental health counseling. For instance, mental health has been a priority at recent Board of Education and commissioners’ meetings, with SSWAC advising on integration of services like those from the Maryland Center for School Safety.
Under Maryland law, committees like SSWAC align with state mandates for school safety planning. The Maryland Safe to Learn Act requires districts to develop comprehensive plans addressing violence prevention, crisis response and mental health. Calvert County Public Schools, serving about 15,461 students across 25 schools, maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1, with 99 percent of teachers licensed. The district’s policies, outlined in the 2025-2026 parent handbook, emphasize compliance with federal rules like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for accommodations and strict bus safety protocols.
Local initiatives complement SSWAC’s efforts. Programs like the Judy Center at Calvert and Barstow elementary schools provide early childhood services for birth-to-5-year-olds, promoting readiness and family support. After-school care runs from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at elementary sites, with strict rules for discipline and safety. The district also requires vaccinations by Sept. 15, 2025, for enrollment, with exemptions handled per state guidelines. Board policies prohibit weapons on campus and encourage public comment at meetings, limited to three minutes per speaker.
SSWAC’s structure ensures transparency. Emails go to sswac@calvertcountymd.gov, and agendas are posted online. The committee’s ad hoc status means it continues until its final report, potentially extending beyond initial plans. Public sessions, like the one on Jan. 29, 2025, allow summaries of quarterly work and direct feedback.
In Calvert County, these steps respond to broader trends. The district’s 2023-2024 report card showed gains in academic achievement and English proficiency, but safety remains foundational. SSWAC’s surveys help prioritize resources, such as expanding anti-bullying programs or improving facility updates at sites like Dowell or Mill Creek middle schools. By involving the community, the committee fosters policies that adapt to local needs, from Prince Frederick to the southern beaches.
The results’ release marks a step toward SSWAC’s goal of proactive safety. Residents can access full details on the webpage and attend upcoming meetings to stay engaged. As the committee compiles its annual report, the focus remains on practical recommendations that strengthen school culture without overhauling existing systems.
