Executive Summary The Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) promotes a Statewide coordinated approach to safer schools through the collaboration among schools, students, educators, staff, parents, behavioral health practitioners, and law enforcement partners. This approach, combined with technical assistance, training, grants, and other resources provided to public, nonpublic special education, and private PK-12 schools throughout Maryland, serves as a foundation for Maryland’s diverse schools to better identify and address the needs and concerns of our students. Additionally, through a review of major incidents--in Maryland and nationwide--MCSS identifies and shares best practices and lessons learned with local partners. In the process, we are working toward creating inclusive educational environments free from fear, harm, trauma, and unnecessary hardship. The following 2024 Maryland Center for School Safety Annual Report is submitted by the School Safety Subcabinet in compliance with Md. Ann. Code Ed. Art. § 7-1503(h). This report aims to deliver important data and insights into the ongoing school safety efforts of MCSS. While securing entrances and developing emergency plans are important aspects of school safety, it is essential to understand that safe learning environments require communication, coordination, and collaboration across various organizations. Equally, creating safe learning environments is not just the responsibility of educators and administrators. It requires the collective effort of local, state, and federal officials, students, parents, staff, and community members to care about the learning experience, being vigilant, and knowing how to support safe schools. By working together, we can make schools a safe place for students to learn and educators to teach.
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