M. Kate Hession, Executive Director (410) 281-2335
Joseph D. Pignataro, Deputy Director (443) 604-0652; e-mail: joseph.pignataro@maryland.gov
c/o Maryland Coordination & Analysis Center, Suite 130
State Department of Education
1-833-MD-B-SAFE (632-7233) (anonymous tip line)
web: http://safeschoolsmd.org/
Annual Report to Governor & General Assembly on incidents in schools involving force due Dec. 1, beginning 2020 (Chapter 30, Acts of 2018).
The Maryland Center for School Safety was established as an independent unit of State government by the General Assembly in July 2013 (Chapter 372, Acts of 2013). In June 2018, it was reformed as an independent unit within the State Department of Education (Chapter 30, Acts of 2018).
To provide a coordinated and comprehensive policy for school safety in Maryland, the Center collaborates with local school systems, law enforcement agencies, State and local government, community organizations, parents, and other groups. With those partners, the Center disseminates information on best practices, programs, and resources; provides technical assistance and training; collects, analyzes, and integrates Statewide data; and promotes interagency efforts to ensure safe schools.
The Center's Executive Director is appointed by the School Safety Subcabinet (Code Education Article, secs. 7-1501 through 7-1505).
GOVERNING BOARD
Chair (chosen by Governor): Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D., State Superintendent of Schools
Appointed by Governor to 3-year terms: Valerie S. Carr; Lorig Charkoudian, Ph.D.; Theresa E. Detorie. Terms expire 2016.
Elizabeth Watson Ray. Term expires 2019.
Appointed by State Superintendent of Schools: Margaret Grady Kidder, Ph.D.
Appointed by Maryland Association of Boards of Education: Michael A. Durso
Appointed by Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland: Henry V. Wagner, Jr., Ed.D.
Ex officio: Dawn P. O'Croinin, designee of Attorney General; Cecilia M. Warren, designee of Secretary of Disabilities; Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Jones, designee of Secretary of State Police; Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D., State Superintendent of Schools.
The Governing Board for the Maryland Center for School Safety provided general oversight and direction to the Center, and approved the Center's budget. The Board developed an implementation plan for phasing in the establishment and operation of the Center.
In June 2018, the Governing Board was replaced by the School Safety Subcabinet (Chapter 30, Acts of 2018).
Eleven members constituted the Governing Board. Four were appointed by the Governor, who designated the chair. Four members served ex officio, and the State Superintendent of Schools, the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, and the Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland each appointed one member.
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