We want to assure you that school safety is always our top priority in Chesterfield County Public Schools, and schools remain on alert year-round. We are all partners in safety.
Each Chesterfield County school has a threat assessment team trained through evidence-based practices to evaluate potential disturbances and respond appropriately. Each school also has a team trained to respond to issues affecting students and staff members in connection with the critical incident and emergency response management plan.
Here are additional ways Chesterfield County Public Schools maintains a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment:
We understand parents entrust their most precious gifts — their children — to our school division daily. We are committed to work and learning environments that support our diverse community and promote academic and social growth. Our students and staff members cannot achieve their best unless they feel secure, comfortable and supported. Please know that school counselors and support services are available for anyone who needs them during this time.
Everyone has a role to play in school safety. We ask that everyone be involved, aware, speak up and join efforts to sustain safe learning environments. If you see something, say something. If you know something, make sure someone at a school knows it too. We are all partners in efforts to protect our children.
The Chesterfield County School Board created a School Safety Task Force to evaluate current protocols and best practices that ensure the school division is providing a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment for all students, staff and administrators. Prior to the recent tragedy in Florida, two Chesterfield School Board members, Midlothian representative Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, former Virginia Secretary of Education, and Clover Hill representative Dianne Smith, a gubernatorial appointee in 2013 to the governor’s School Safety Task Force, were actively looking into the creation of a task force.
The task force is co-chaired by Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran and former Virginia Secretary of Education Laura Fornash, both residents of Chesterfield County and parents of students at Chesterfield County Public Schools.
This task force will examine critical issues surrounding education and safety, with four main topics established:
The School Board accepted applications from community members to serve on the School Safety Task Force and Working Groups. Members were appointed from each of the county’s five magisterial districts and include parents, teachers, staff members, students and other community members.
For more information, contact ccpsinfo@ccpsnet.net.
Co-Chair Honorable Brian Moran
Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Commonwealth of Virginia
Co-Chair Honorable Laura Fornash
Former Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia
Chesterfield County Public Schools