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Minutes for SB128 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Requiring at least nine safety drills to be conducted by schools each year including fire, tornado and crisis drills.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 11, 2019
Chairperson Huebert opened the hearing on SB128.
Zach Fridell presented an overview of safety drills in schools and the intended effect of this legislation.
Leah Fliter stated the Kansas Association of School Boards position of support for this bill. These varied drills (tornado, fire and active shooter) must be scheduled approximately every ten days in order to fulfill the present standards. This frequency adds additional anxiety, particularly for very young students, and takes away instructional time. (Attachment 3)
Doug Jorgensen explained the State Fire Marshall's office support for this legislation, and he agrees with the previous conferee that there are too many drills. Working with the State School Administrators and other Fire Service officials, they reduced the amount to one per month. This is more practical but still sufficient. HB128 would institute the procedure that drills are announced over the school intercom five minutes prior to starting. This is to help alleviate anxiety and help the teachers prepare as necessary to meet the needs of their students. (Attachment 4)
There was a brief period of conversation with the conferees.
Chairperson Huebert closed the hearing on SB128.
The meeting was adjourned.
