MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Ferris

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A SCHOOL CRISIS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION, TO PROVIDE FOR A TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL INDIVIDUALS TO RESPOND TO TRAUMATIC OR VIOLENT SITUATIONS THAT IMPACT STUDENTS AND FACULTY IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS; TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE PROGRAM AND TO AUTHORIZE FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) There is established a School Crisis Management Program which shall be attached to the Mississippi School Boards Association. Under this program, the Mississippi School Boards Association shall create an office to provide a quick response team of mental health professionals, law enforcement officers experienced in school crisis situations, attorneys and other individuals with appropriate training, to respond to traumatic or violent situations that impact students and faculty in the public schools in Mississippi. The Mississippi School Boards Association may enter into a contractual agreement with the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for the administration of the program. The School Crisis Management Program shall meet the following conditions:

(a) The basic response team shall consist of at least three (3) individuals, and may consist of a larger number depending on the size of the school and the nature of the event. Each team shall include a licensed counselor or licensed psychologist, a licensed social worker, a law enforcement officer experienced in school crisis situations, and may include an attorney and other individuals with appropriate training. The Mississippi School Boards Association shall contract with the following associations in order to train and commit individuals on a team: The Mississippi Counseling Association, the Mississippi Psychological Association, the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the Mississippi Sheriffs Association, The Mississippi Bar and other appropriate associations associated with individuals trained in school crisis management.

(b) In order to access the services of a response team, the request shall be made by the local school principal or the superintendent of schools who shall make the request to the Mississippi School Boards Association, or its contact designee.

(c) The requesting school or school district shall commit student time to the response team during the school day either individually or in groups.

(d) A response team shall enter a school to work with students and faculty for no more than a three (3) day period.

(e) Response teams shall be organized on a regional basis in order to provide immediate access to these services.

(f) The Mississippi School Boards Association, or its contact designee, shall operate a toll-free incoming wide area telephone service for the purpose of reporting suspected cases of school violence, and other traumatic situations impacting on students and faculty in the public schools.

(g) Subject to the availability of funds specifically appropriated therefor by the Legislature, the expenses of the quick response teams and their administrative support shall be provided from state funds, and the Mississippi School Boards Association may apply for and expend funds for the support and maintenance of this program from private and other funding sources.

(2) Local school districts, school superintendents and principals shall be fully authorized to request and utilize the services of quick response teams provided for under this section. This section shall not be construed to require school officials to request the services of quick response teams provided for under this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.