Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Blacksburg delegate, Botetourt prosecutor named to governor’s school safety task force
Also named were Virginia Tech's deputy police chief and the father of 2007 shooting victim.
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the membership of his new school and campus safety task force today and the groups is set to meet for the first time Monday.
The group is comprised of educators, public safety experts, local leaders, mental health practitioners, legislators, parents and students.
Among the members are: state Del. Joseph Yost, R-Blacksburg, Joel Branscom, Botetourt County commonwealth’s attorney; Gene Deisinger, deputy chief and director of threat management at Virginia Tech; and Allen Hill, the father of Rachael Elizabeth Hill, who was killed in the 2007 Virginia Tech mass shooting.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, the group will review school safety. The task force is expected to discuss established emergency policies and procedures and identify resources challenges. This task force will also provide legislative and budget proposals to the governor.
McDonnell issued an executive order last month establishing the task force in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut.
“I am thankful that this dedicated group of leaders and experts has agreed to work on the important issue of keeping our schools safe,” McDonnell said in a statement. “As a Commonwealth, we must evaluate safety in our schools and ensure that we are providing our young people with the best opportunity to learn. I am confident this group will develop thoughtful recommendations that will ensure a safe learning environment for our students.”
The group’s first meeting is at 1 p.m. Monday in the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond.
The group is comprised of educators, public safety experts, local leaders, mental health practitioners, legislators, parents and students.
Among the members are: state Del. Joseph Yost, R-Blacksburg, Joel Branscom, Botetourt County commonwealth’s attorney; Gene Deisinger, deputy chief and director of threat management at Virginia Tech; and Allen Hill, the father of Rachael Elizabeth Hill, who was killed in the 2007 Virginia Tech mass shooting.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, the group will review school safety. The task force is expected to discuss established emergency policies and procedures and identify resources challenges. This task force will also provide legislative and budget proposals to the governor.
McDonnell issued an executive order last month establishing the task force in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut.
“I am thankful that this dedicated group of leaders and experts has agreed to work on the important issue of keeping our schools safe,” McDonnell said in a statement. “As a Commonwealth, we must evaluate safety in our schools and ensure that we are providing our young people with the best opportunity to learn. I am confident this group will develop thoughtful recommendations that will ensure a safe learning environment for our students.”
The group’s first meeting is at 1 p.m. Monday in the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond.
