MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County, in partnership with the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ), and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, hosted the Educators’ Summit on Partnerships for School Safety on Wednesday, February 23 to address school safety and student wellness for the 2022 school year. Three distinguished panels of speakers discussed their expertise and potential approaches in preparing schools for emergency management, school drills, and cybersecurity across Middlesex County.

Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios, Middlesex County Commissioners Deputy Director Shanti Narra, County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Superintendent Mark Finkelstein of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey, and Interim Executive County Superintendent served as guest speakers. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone served as moderator and three panels of experienced educators and law enforcement.

“School safety is an issue of vital concern – not only for the students, teachers, and administrators who are on the front lines – but for all of us,” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “As the saying goes, ‘hurt people hurt people,’ and students who are suffering – whether from mental health conditions or illnesses, trauma from the pandemic, or the day-to-day stress of childhood and adolescence – are no exception. Today’s panel discussions on Emergency Management and School Security Drills; School Climate; and School Resource Officers; gave us the opportunity to delve more deeply into three key aspects of school safety. On behalf of myself and my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners, I want to again express my thanks to ESCNJ and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office for their partnership with Middlesex County."

“Safety, as we all know, is crucial for learning. Students who do not feel physically safe in school are more likely to struggle academically and socially, as the fear and anxiety of school violence keep them constantly on edge and may stop them from fully participating in class and engaging with their teachers and fellow students. That same fear and anxiety can affect teachers and administrators as well, making it difficult for them to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” said Board of County Commissioners Deputy Director Shanti Narra, Chair of Public Safety & Health Committee. “Bringing together experts from law enforcement and education, as we have for this panel, provides an opportunity to discuss how to make our schools a safer environment so that students and educators can thrive in their respective roles.

“The close collaboration between educators and law enforcement in discussions like this – and the discussions that happen every day in school districts throughout the County – are a vital part of our work to make our schools safe. Providing and maintaining a safe school environment is imperative, and this ongoing partnership allows us to leverage the expertise of both law enforcement and educators for the benefit of the students, faculty, and staff who fill our schools daily,” said County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum. “I am proud that Middlesex County has partnered with ESCNJ to address issues like school violence head-on. We may not have the answers yet, but by working together I am confident that we will find them.”

“To prepare for today, ESCNJ joined with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office to send a survey to school leaders identifying ongoing topics related to school safety. Our survey results found that there are three leading topics concerning our community: cultural climate in schools; value of school resource officers and effective communication; and emergency management plans in schools,” said Superintendent Mark Finkelstein of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. “This esteemed group of panelists joining us for this event bring years of expertise and a wealth of knowledge to discuss the concerns of our school administrators, educators, and students here in Middlesex County, around the state, and across the nation.”

“This summit was another step to enlarge the communication between the educational community and law enforcement,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone.  “In turn, all of the Middlesex County community will benefit because of a safe and secure environment created in all our education institutions.  It was an honor to moderate our distinguished panels.”