Over recent months, there has been vocal concern from members about staff injuries occurring within Garrett County Public Schools. This concern reached a peak at a recent Board of Education meeting, where a group of parents expressed their anxiety over the safety of sending their children to school daily. Despite hopes that this public concern would catalyze significant improvements in school safety, staff continue to report disturbing incidents leading to injuries.
In response, GCEA has launched a School Safety Call to Action. This initiative aims to unite and empower members to address incidents of injury, attack or compromised safety in the workplace. A key focus is on the importance of promptly and accurately reporting any incidents related to school safety through the appropriate channels.
To support members, GCEA is providing resources on how to proceed in the event of an injury and is promoting unity through the organization of a School Safety Blackout on February 14th and February 26th. Participation involves simply wearing black to work. This act of solidarity shows empathy and concern for colleagues who have been injured on the job and are dealing with the stress of questioning their safety at school. It also symbolizes a commitment to ensuring a safe, conducive learning environment for students, free from unpredictability and chaos.
For more information and updates on the School Safety Call to Action, members are encouraged to visit gceamsea.org/school-safety and join GCEA’s Facebook group.
Through these efforts, GCEA aims to demonstrate to education policymakers and stakeholders a united front in the pursuit of safe and effective schools.
