PASCO, WA – School safety and a proactive approach to identifying potential threats remains a top priority for schools across the United States. Beginning this school year, Educational Service District (ESD) 123 is launching a new Threat Assessment program to provide an immediate and systematic response to youth who pose a serious threat to commit acts of violence to others. Newly-hired Threat Assessment Coordinator, Katie Haynes, is leading the charge.
The ESD 123 Student Threat Assessment program is a two-level system that includes a school site-based screening team, called a Level I Assessment, and a multi-agency community team, called a Level II Assessment. The program was adopted from the Salem-Keizer Mid-Valley Student Threat Assessment System (STAS), a set of protocols and safety planning procedures to promote safe school environments.
According to ESD Threat Assessment Coordinator Katie Haynes, over-reactive school responses to Zero-Tolerance Policies often result in an inflated number of students identified as potentially dangerous, and an over reliance upon expulsion to resolve school safety concerns. The Threat Assessment program takes a team-based approach instead.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to work alongside our schools, provide support, and help foster learning environments that are free from the distraction of fear,” states Ms. Haynes.
Initial funding is allowing ESD 123 to launch our Threat Assessment program in three of our twenty-three school districts: Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick. The goal is that more school districts will join in the Threat Assessment cooperative so that services can expand to all districts across Southeast Washington.
To learn more, visit the ESD 123 website at www.esd123.org/programs__services/prevention_services/threat_assessment, or contact ESD Director of Communications, Molly Curtiss, at 509.544.5787 or mcurtiss@esd123.org.
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About ESD 123: Educational Service District 123, based in Pasco, WA, is one of nine ESDs in Washington. Dedicated to delivering collaborative solutions that promote learning, ESD 123 serves 23 school districts in seven counties of Southeastern Washington. Under Superintendent Darcy Weisner and its board of directors, this legislatively mandated, not-for-profit educational organization provides efficiency of educational systems and equity of learning opportunities for over 70,000 Washington students. For more information about ESD 123, please call 509-544-5700 or 888-547-8441 or visit www.esd123.org.