Committee will look at safety and equity issues in Oregon schools

The Oregon Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Colt Gill announced Tuesday the creation of the Advisory Committee on Safe and Effective Schools for All Students.

“This advisory committee will be charged with providing recommendations to help ensure that every Oregon student experiences an inclusive, safe and welcoming learning environment,” Colt Gill said in a news release.

Gill is asking a diverse group of education stakeholders from across the state to take on a three-part mission:

• Advise on the need for and development of school and community best practices.
• Advise on policy recommendations Gill may take to the State Board of Education, local school boards and the Legislature.
• Advise on policy investment requests for legislative consideration in 2019.

OSBA Board Secretary-Treasurer Maureen Wolf (Tigard-Tualatin SD) is expected to serve on the committee.

The advisory group will start meeting in March and is expected to bring recommendations by June. The advisory group will have 30-40 people, with subgroups to look at behavior issues in classrooms and bullying and harassment prevention.