Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he was joined by education professionals, including students, parents, teachers, administrators, counselors and building staff as well as state and local law enforcement officers for a roundtable discussion on ways to increase safety at North Country schools.

“The national conversation around school safety is one the North Country cannot ignore,” Jones said. “We were reminded by the tragic events in Parkland, Florida, that this type of violence can happen anywhere and at any time. Our kids shouldn’t have to worry about being safe when they’re at school. We must do everything we can to improve school security and protect our students.”

Assemblyman Jones asked questions to gauge the community’s response to national incidents and find out what participants were hearing from students and parents about school safety. The conversation was focused on ways to boost preparedness and implement prevention measures that can help save lives, including anti-bullying initiatives, greater access to mental health services and enhancement of security.

Roundtable participants included local students and parents; Chateauguay School District Superintendent Loretta Fowler; Plattsburgh City School District Superintendent Jay Lebrun; Peru Central School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Palmer; Saranac Central School District Superintendent Jonathan Parks; representatives from the Chateaugay Teachers’ Association; school counselors; building maintenance staff; and officers from New York State Police and local police and sheriff departments.