By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

Earlier this month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 6012, a bipartisan bill that makes an historic investment in school safety by fully funding risk assessments and critical incidence mapping to help protect students and create safety plans in the event of an emergency.
The legislation also fully funds resources to hire and retain mental health professionals, enhance security measures, and provide additional learning opportunities for Oxford Community Schools.
“I am proud to sign this bill to help keep students safe,” said Whitmer. “This bill represents a true collaboration between the legislature, my office, community members, and school leadership to make sure our schools have the tools they need to protect students in cases of school shootings or other critical incidents. I know we can continue working together to make sure we are supporting our students, including improving public safety measures to keep violent criminals out of our schools and off our streets, funding effective law enforcement solutions, and storing firearms safely.
“Let’s get it done.”
The bill will also be a benefit to Clarkston Community Schools, according to Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan.
“Every dollar allocated to safety in schools is money well spent,” Ryan said. “There is nothing more important than ensuring the well-being of our students and staff. Earlier this year, Clarkston Community Schools contracted with Secure Education Consultants to evaluate our buildings and procedures. It was a necessary investment to confirm we are taking the appropriate steps, following best practices, and utilizing the most up-to-date resources. While the overall review was very positive, I believe there is always room for improvement. The ways we can ensure safety in our schools are constantly evolving. We must keep up with these changes, and any additional state funding is crucial.”
“The passage of House Bill 6012 marks a significant milestone for the Oxford school community,” added Oakland Schools Superintendent Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson. “Our children, parents, and educators have been impacted by trauma. While there is a long road ahead, we are comforted by the support we have received from the Michigan Legislature. This funding will help the Oxford school community obtain the tools necessary to recover from the lasting impact of the tragedy faced by students and staff.”
Ryan also addressed school safety in a letter to CCS parents sent out in March.
“On February 23, over 1,000 CCS staff members participated in a day-long district training on safety and well-being,” said Ryan. “Vital information was shared, and we engaged in activities to help us all feel more prepared and assured in a potential crisis. We worked with some of the very best for this essential training. Numerous members of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office helped facilitate active safety simulations at every building in the district. Dr. Jim Henry, co-founder and project director for the Western Michigan University Children’s Trauma Assessment Center, provided essential tips to prepare staff for the simulations and then how to process them afterward. Dr. Henry has worked extensively in our district with several CCS staff members regarding trauma-informed practices, and he has been supporting students and staff in Oxford.
“While the substance of this training was heavy at times, facing the uncomfortable is necessary to give us a new level of preparedness and confidence. The learning and connections we made during that day were priceless, and they will only serve to help us all provide a better and safer learning environment for all of our students. Regular safety drills will continue for our students, and we will be incorporating what we’ve learned as a staff to better help them feel more comfortable and prepared.”
According to a press release, House Bill 6012 “will go a long way towards keeping our students safe.”

PHOTO: A Clarkston parent holds up a sign on Clarkston Road in front of the driveway to the district’s administration building during a rally prior to a school board meeting, Sept. 14, 2020. File photo: Matt Mackinder