Kentucky Center for School Safety
PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                Contact: Doris Settles, Center for School Safety
October 15, 2001                                                   
Phone: 859/257-9105
Email: ddsettl@uky.edu 

GOVERNOR PATTON PROCLAIMS KENTUCKY SAFE SCHOOLS WEEK 

Governor Paul Patton today officially proclaimed October 15-20, 2001 as Kentucky Safe Schools Week during a live broadcast to all Kentucky schools through the KET STAR Channel network. Alongside were Center for School Safety Director Jon Akers, Kentucky Education Commissioner Gene Wilhoit, Kentucky State Police Commissioner Ishmon F. Burks, Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, Youth Anti-violence Advocate Kerri Mitchell and others. 

The nation’s eyes are on Kentucky as leaders in school safety…and the Kentucky Center for School Safety is paving the way for the rest of us to follow. By coordinating and promoting School Safety Week in Kentucky, the Center is asking all Kentuckians to join hands as we work together to make Kentucky’s schools…and ultimately the nation…safe places where we each learn and work.  

Events of real and threatened violence, as well as serious injuries and medical emergencies, in both public and private schools across the country highlight the critical need for widespread awareness of school safety issues. As Senator Joe Lieberman (1998) reflected, “Each school district must confront the fact that there are two kinds of schools in America today: those that have had a major crisis and those who are about to.”  Making positive, proactive choices throughout a community—rather than just reacting when negative conditions arise—help create safe, effective schools. 

This issue reaches much farther than the school setting…into the community as well. “In light of recent events, it is important that we reflect on and understand how school violence and violence anywhere within our society is merely terrorism on a local level and cannot be tolerated,” emphasized Governor Patton. 

This observance will be used, in part, to bring together all Kentuckians in a concerted effort to improve school climate and thus the educational process. “The CSS offers our support as a collaborative partnership to the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Akers, “to come together to focus on awareness, prevention, and cooperation during Kentucky Safe Schools Week.” Television and radio public service announcements, a live broadcast from the Governor’s office, and community events will take place. 

Involving youth in prevention efforts is a critical piece of the school safety puzzle. Mitchell has been involved in safe schools efforts for most of her teen years, speaking to elementary and middle school students about respect for others and breaking the code of silence. “My research indicates the strong impact peers have upon one another,” said Mitchell, “and yet rarely are students turned to as leaders of intervention/prevention programs.” 

The CSS is providing Pledge Against School Violence cards with ribbons and other support through Future Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapters throughout the state. Most FCCLA chapters are in area high schools, but are collaborating with schools at all levels, as well as community organizations, to create community-wide events that heighten awareness in their home communities of how they can work together to improve the quality of life for everyone.  

This observance complements a national campaign. America’s Safe Schools Week is sponsored by the National School Safety Center. “People realize now is the time to join together to insure the safety and well-being of our children, and to provide quality education for the future leaders of our country,” said Wilhoit. 

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