Series of school shootings prompt condolences, action
Sebelius reminds Kansans of the state’s School Safety Hotline: 1-877-626-8203

During the past week three American communities have been the scene of fatal school shootings. 

In response to these horrific acts, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today offered condolences to the families.  She also reminded Kansans of the state’s School Safety Hotline and announced a new effort to promote health and safety in schools.

“It’s hard to imagine what the parents and loved ones of the victims of these tragedies are going through.  All of us send our thoughts and prayers to them, to the students, teachers, and communities impacted by these senseless acts of violence,” Sebelius said.

Sebelius pointed out that the Kansas School Safety Hotline – 1-877-626-8203 – allows anyone to provide anonymous information about a potential act of school violence.

“If you suspect someone is planning to commit violence, please call the hotline or local law enforcement immediately,” Sebelius said.

All calls to the hotline are answered by Kansas Highway Patrol dispatchers. When it is deemed appropriate, information from the calls is forwarded to local school officials and local law enforcement for further action.

Since the hotline began in 1999, it has received more than 3,000 calls. Over 700 of those calls were referred to local officials for further investigation.

On another front, Governor Sebelius will sign an executive order creating the Commission on Health and Safety of our Schools.

In July of this year, 30 leaders from Kansas’ public and non-profit sectors met to lay the foundation for a coordinated effort to improve the health and safety of Kansas students.  The meeting was sponsored by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department, the Kansas Health Foundation and the Olathe school district, and participants put together a series of recommendations on how to make Kansas schools better prepared.

“The commission’s focus won’t be limited to school violence, but that’s one of the areas where we can help schools be better prepared for an emergency,” Sebelius said.

The commission will be comprised of representatives from state and local education, health, emergency management, non-profit and public safety agencies to better coordinate preparedness efforts to ensure the health and safety of Kansas students, teachers and school staff.

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